By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

The newest addition to the local Little Free Libraries was constructed and donated by a member of the Virgin Valley Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and placed at the Mesquite Fine Arts Center last week for public use.

Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Their mission is to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Library book-exchange boxes.

This will be the fourth registered LFL exchange box in Mesquite. The others can be found at 20 Mimosa Way, 1203 Madrigal Drive and at the corner of Gateway and Southridge. The public is invited to use the boxes to exchange or donate both fiction and nonfiction books for adults and children.          

“DAR is proud to be able to collaborate with Nic Montoya, director of Mesquite Recreation Center, the Mesquite Fine Arts Center, to promote awareness for literacy,” said Dr. Leigh Roessner, president of DAR’s Virgin Valley Chapter.

Roessner told the Progress, “The purpose of this particular box is twofold. One of the pillars of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution is education, which aligns with the Little Free Library’s mission.  Secondly, this box is decorated with a patriotic theme to promote awareness of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence for America. That is soon approaching on July 4, 2026.” 

The public can download a mobile app, “Little Free Library,” or go to Little Free Library World Map – Little Free Library. The site and the mobile app will have a map of registered exchange boxes for whatever global region a person may be in.