THE LITTLE ART – LIBRARY PROJECT/in Twisp

WHAT IS IT?

Methow Arts presents the just-launched Little ART Library Project/Twisp! The project brings more public art and books to the outdoors for our community and visitors to enjoy. CenturyLink, our business partner in the project, helped to sponsor the uniquely designed and hand-crafted ART library by artist Steve Ward.

Artist Steve Ward with the Little Library he created

Amanda Jackson Mott, Methow Arts’ executive director says, “I am thrilled to bring this project to the valley. I’ve wanted to do it for three years now! These cute little libraries are popping up around the globe and here, they bring more of our local and original artwork outdoors – showcasing the creativity of our artists.”

Local artist Steve Ward crafted Twisp’s first Little ART Library. The library’s whimsical aesthetic invites passersby to enter the space and enjoy both art and literature. In the true spirit of community collaboration, business partner CenturyLink donated the use of the old phone booth and will provide power for lighting the little art library when needed. And Twisp Friends of the Library donated the initial supply of books.

The project offers free books with a “Take one, leave one” policy. Read more, enjoy the original artwork of local artist Steve Ward, and please consider bringing a book or two to donate.

WHY IS METHOW ARTS PURSUING THIS PROJECT?

PUBLIC ART! Methow Arts supports public art as a way of: investing in our local economy (paying our artists for their work, promoting our creative community, and creating vital public spaces that encourage people to stop, gather, walk, and read a book.
A Methow resident peruses the books

ENHANCING THE BUSINESS CORRIDOR: Additionally, these projects bring creativity outside. They enhance our business corridors with artwork, increasing pedestrian traffic, slowing overall traffic speed and increasing tourism and economic vitality.
LITERACY AND THE LOVE OF BOOKS! The project promotes literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges.
COMMUNITY: The Little ART Library Project and other public art initiatives build a sense of community as we share skills, creativity and wisdom across generations. Community pride in creating and maintaining the communities is evidenced in other projects around the globe.

A FEW LITTLE RULES:

Enjoy our Little ART Libraries thoroughly and READ more.
Visit our website, MethowArts.org to find more information on the project and artist
Please remember to close the door after opening the Little ART Library. This keeps weather out and books dry and clean).
If you are donating books, please donate books that are in good condition and in good taste. Children (of all ages) will be enjoying these.
It is not a drop box for library books. Please be sure to return any loaned library books to the appropriate library in the valley.
Spread the word! If you have an interest in sponsoring a Little ART Library or have an idea for a new location, call us at Methow Arts: 509.997.4004 or info@methowartsalliance.org

METHOW VALLEY PLAN:

Five Little Libraries are planned for the Methow Valley from Methow up to Mazama. Currently underway are 1. LAUNCHED! Mazama – Tim Odell at the Mazama Store (March), 2. LAUNCHED! Twisp – Steve Ward outside of the Twisp Post Office in the phone booth donated by CenturyLink and 3. Winthrop – Tori Karpenko outside of Trail’s End Bookstore (May/June). We are working with artists and towns and business sponsors to install each creation.

The libraries are placed in highly visible public spaces, off the ground to avoid blockage during snow seasons and allow for shoveling/plowing, etc.

MAINTENANCE: Methow Arts and the Business Sponsors will maintain each little library. It is our hope that community members will pitch in a hand to “take one/leave one” and help in keeping our little libraries tidy and thriving!

CONTACT: Methow Arts Alliance, Director – Amanda Jackson Mott, info@methowartsalliance.org, 509.997.4004