Newman's Little Free Library
Three industrious Newman Seniors are creating a Little Free Library outside of our school. The construction is an elaborate free-standing bookshelf that will be accessible to the public. The Little Free Library is a non-profit organization that was started in 2009 to strengthen communities. Its headquarters are located in Minnesota, but they operate in over 121 countries worldwide and have more than 175,000 libraries. Their motto “(t)ake a book, leave a book” promotes access, collaboration, equity, respect, and transparency. The Newman School’s library will be registered with the Little Free Library, thus connecting us with Back Bay and the world via their database.
The students approached this project through the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component of the IB Diploma Program; they were inspired to do something that connected the School to the Back Bay community—and to the global community that will have access to this library.
Angie Ciampa: "I am excited to leave my mark on the school and this community."
Alice Franceschet: "Collaborating with not only the students and staff, but also Back Bay committees, has been a fun experience that we would not have gotten without this project."
Harper Cardin: "I’m excited to be able to create something that other students will use for years after I leave."
The design incorporates the Newman spirit, using the school’s mascot and cardinal red, as well as depicting titles of books meaningful to Newman’s culture and history. The students start the construction in the coming weeks and install it once they get approval from the various Back Bay committees. From working in their trio to working within the realm of the City and the Little Free Library organization, from drawing on skills within the disciplines of art, design, math, and English, these students' engagement in this project is a fine example of the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of much of the teaching and learning that happens at Newman.
Newman provides opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to pursue serious studies in a welcoming and supportive environment where self and community are paramount.
