By Lyndy Berryhill

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — When teacher Betty Jo Harris first encountered a Little Free Library in Atlanta while visiting her son, Harris said she knew it would be a great amenity for Natchez tourism.

This summer, she wants to put Natchez on the map with a library in the heart of downtown.

“Anything to encourage literacy in Natchez is needed,” Harris said.

Harris has been working on bringing the library to Natchez since March. The free library proposal would operate on the “leave a book, take a book” honor system.

The next step is finding a location.

“I just need ground to put it in,” Harris said.

Harris originally proposed the location near St. Mary’s Basilica, at the corner of Main and Rankin streets at Natchez Memorial Park.

“This location would serve as a perfect spot due to its pedestrian traffic, park setting, and tourist appeal,” Harris said.

Harris said she wanted one in front of her house. But once she researched how some libraries were placed near schools to promote literacy among students, she wondered if the same could be done for tourists.

Harris said since Natchez is the birthplace or home of literary figures like Richard Wright, Greg Iles, Anne Moody, Ellen Douglas, Rosa Vertner Jeffrey and others, the library could be a potential attraction downtown.

Little Free Library was started in 2009 in Wisconsin. Currently, the non-profit has more than 50,000 registered libraries all over communities in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries as of 2016, according to their website.

Each registered library is marked on their website, littlefreelibrary.org.

The only other Little Free Library in Natchez is located at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. It is in the lobby of the Tom Reed Academic building.

Beth Richard, Willie Mae Dunn library director, says the free library on campus has been successful and receives community support.

“I recently sent an email asking for children’s books for the (Little Free Library) and several of our staff responded. Within a couple of weeks the children’s books were gone,” Richard said. “It is exciting to know that we were able to put books in the hands of children.”

The library was part of a project for the honor society Phi Theta Kappa chapter and was installed fall 2016.

So far, the Little Free Library for downtown already has a selection of mystery, crime, non-fiction and children’s books.

Harris’ brother built it from scratch and her son will place it when the location is final.

Harris said she hopes to spark an interest in the community to promote literacy.

“I’m hoping the community will feel a sense of ownership — not just me,” Harris said.

For location suggestions, contact Harris at harris.bettyjo@yahoo.com.