COLUMBIA, Tenn. – E.A. Cox Middle School is home to Maury County’s newest, “Little Free Library!” Free and open to all, the “Little Free Library,” offers access to a wide variety of books, with hopes of inspiring readers. In addition, various toiletries are available for the community to take advantage of.

The project stemmed after an EF-3 tornado ravaged parts of Maury County in 2024. David Goloversic, Art and Computer Science teacher at E.A. Cox Middle School, challenged his art club to give back to the community.

“Our community continues to face significant challenges, ranging from property damage, displacement and emotional distress,” said Goloversic. “The Little Free Library addresses these challenges by providing comforting and enriching resources for residents, especially children and families, who are rebuilding their lives. I am so proud of the art club’s desire to help their fellow residents in their time of need. This Little Free Library is dedicated to residents affected by the tornado, honoring their resilience and spirit.”

The Little Free Library-style book-sharing initiative offered students a broad range of educational, artistic, and leadership opportunities. Through planning, building, and managing the boxes, students developed project management, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. They engaged with the community, fostering empathy and social responsibility, while learning practical skills like budgeting, carpentry, data tracking, and promotional writing. The design and decoration of the boxes enhanced artistic creativity and visual expression. By addressing challenges and considering sustainability, students also gained STEM-related knowledge and experience.

The first Little Free Library book-sharing box was built in 2009 in Hudson, Wisconsin. There are now more than 200,000 registered, volunteer-led Little Free Libraries worldwide. That includes one in every U.S. state and 128 countries. To date, more than 400 million books have been shared. 

The mission of Maury County Public Schools is to provide the educational instruction, tools, and environment for every child to succeed in LIFE as Life-long Learners, Independent Thinkers, Fearless Innovators, and Exemplary Citizens.

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