Literacy Project Teams Up with Tollefson

After launching distribution points in Frazer and Opheim earlier this fall (See Countywide Literacy Project Takes Shape in Frazer, Sept. 28), Boxcar Road Books has expanded to Hinsdale. Courier editor James Walling and contributor Ginevra Kirkland have joined forces with Jim Tollefson and his recently-constructed book exchange, located two blocks north of Hwy. 2 near Raiders Quick Stop.

"We were planning on setting up a shelf at Sweet Memories on Montana Street," Walling said, "but Leonna [Knutson] closes soon for the winter, and Jim got there ahead of us anyway."

The idea for a box of kids' books arose when Walling and Kirkland noticed some young people investigating Tollefson's exchange. According to the pair, the children were obviously interested in the small wooden structure, but found mainly grown-up titles to choose from.

Walling explained, "We decided the better part of valor was to add to what he'd already begun."

In addition to efforts in Frazer, Opheim and Hinsdale, the literacy project will be coming to Glasgow early in December. According to Walling, Boxcar Road Books will have a shelf set up at the Sean R. Heavey Gallery downtown in coordination with Open House festivities on Dec. 2 from 4-7 p.m.

Kirkland and Walling are also planning to have a shelf up at Hot Shots Espresso on Hwy 2 prior to the Christmas holiday.

Donations can be made to support the Boxcar Road Books program, a portion of which goes to the Valley County Friends of the Library foundation. For more information, contact Walling at 406-942-0331 or visit the Courier office.