MSU faculty writes grant to fund Little Free Library at Summit Elementary

Thanks in part to Dr. Sherry Stultz, professor of education at Morehead State University, students at Summit Elementary School in Ashland were greeted by more than enthusiastic teachers on the first day of classes. They were also treated to the Little Free Library, a nonprofit organization founded to inspire a love of reading, build community and spark creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world.  

Stultz wrote a grant to Walmart to fund the project and the award was provided by Walmart Supercenter Store #2638 in Ashland. The $1,000 grant was used to fund the purchase of the library and more than $400 worth of children’s books, many of which were Caldecott or Newbery Medal winners.   

The library was presented to Sean Stewart, principal of Summit Elementary School (SES). It is located to the left of the main entrance of the school next to the reflection bench build in honor of the late former SES student Kylie Stevens. The library is positioned to allow students, parents and members of the community to access the books at any time.  

Stultz plans to create a class project for her MSU students to help keep the library stocked with books and hopefully expand this concept to neighboring schools.  

“Growing up in this area, I understand that not all children are fortunate enough to have quality children’s books available at home. Many schools have libraries, and classroom teachers will try to provide books as much as possible. However, limited budgets often constrain what can be provided by the schools and teachers,” she said. “Having books accessible in an open format like you see at the Little Free Library can benefit the children at the school, as well as others in the community. I hope to be able to provide more libraries to other area schools in the future.”  

For more information on MSU’s College of Education, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/education, email c.miller@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2162.