Countywide Literacy Project Takes Shape in Frazer

In a coordinated effort with the Valley County Friends of the Library, Courier editor James Walling and contributor Ginevra Kirkland selected Frazer to launch a new literacy project this past week.

Boxcar Road Books is aimed at serving Greater Valley County, which, according to Walling, "lacks even a single bookstore."

The pair set up the project's first distribution point at Tribal Express II in Frazer on Sept. 26. The shelf is the first of four planned for locations around the area. They will be stocked largely with donations from the Valley County library system.

"The project wouldn't be possible without the support and encouragement of Friends board member Mary Armstrong and GCCL Director Megan Haddix," explained Walling.

According to Walling, the selections currently for sale in Frazer include a whole shelf of kids' books, a shelf of novels and non-fiction for all ages, a variety of titles for men and women, and a few stacks of mysteries and romances.

Pricing is donation-based. A sign at the Frazer location reads, "Pay what you can (even if it's a dollar or less!) and take what you like." A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Friends of the Library.

In addition to the location at Frazer, Walling plans to distribute shelves in Hinsdale at Sweet Memories, as well as the Outpost in Opheim, and a location in Glasgow (TBD). The first four shelves are scheduled to be in place by the end of October.

Eventually, the pair hopes to set up a brick and mortar location for the project inside the Centennial railcar located at the intersection of Boxcar Road and Hwy 117 near Park Grove.

"After more than a year of receiving, sorting, and curating donations, the number of intriguing titles currently piled up in our basement at home tends to surprise visitors. We don't anticipate running out of books anytime soon."

For more information, contact James at 406-942-0331 or [email protected].