Milton's outdoor enthusiasts can now pair their park visits with a side of literary adventure, thanks to the efforts of Eagle Scout candidate Sam Copple-Goodman and his troop's volunteers, who have introduced new "Little Libraries" to Freedom Park and Mayfield Park.
The initiative, led by Copple-Goodman of BSA Troop 9622, has materialized in two distinct locations—one nestled in the heart of Deerfield's Freedom Park and the other gracing the trails of Mayfield Park, offering a chance for park-goers to also flip through pages of donated literature, which afternoons in these havens can now be spent doing both, soaking up the sun and the words of wisdom or whisked away tales that these small treasure troves contain.
According to a city press release, these pint-sized libraries, part of a nation-wide movement, encourage visitors to take a book or leave one, fostering a community of readers and sharing. The Friends of Mayfield Park have already shown their support, stocking the Mayfield Road location with select favorites.
Copple-Goodman's venture isn't just about providing books; it's about creating community connections and contributions not just trees and trails, and playgrounds, or even the benches where you might pause with a new-found novel, but the links between us, the shared experiences, and the silent, but pivotal role that a small wooden box full of books can play in which the pages offer a gateway to myriad worlds, as diverse as the park visitors themselves.
