Six one-of-a-kind Little Free Libraries that were created by Detroit artists (and one from New York) are now available for sponsorship.
These original libraries were created last summer when the founder of the Little Free Library movement, Todd Bol, came to Detroit and gave the Detroit Little Libraries campaign an award for being the fastest growing city of Little Free Libraries.
We threw a celebration and asked artists to transform some blank libraries to raise awareness of our campaign, and held an opening in a 4731 Gallery in the Grand River Creative Corridor. These libraries then went on a traveling exhibition, stopping first at the Detroit Public Library then for three months at the Mobile Homestead at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit.
Now, they are up for sponsorship and on display at the June 9 fundraiser, Viva Libris! An Evening for Detroit Little Libraries. After the fundraiser, we will be giving these special libraries to iconic institutions in Detroit and putting the names of sponsors on the plaques. The sponsorship funds will be used to plant more little libraries to plant in the city.
Thirteen of the libraries were created. Eight have been sponsored, leaving five still available for sponsorship.
Blank libraries retail at $350.
Suggested sponsorship levels: $500 Bronze $1,000 Silver $3,000 Gold
Make your sponsorship through the Little Free Library, indicate it is for Detroit and the funds will come back to Detroit to plant libraries in the community.
Make your sponsorship here: https://lfl.secure.nonprofitsoapbox.com/donate
Thank you, and Viva Libris!
John Sauve
Sculptor, Brighton
“Man in the City”
steel, arcrylic polymer with industrial primer
“Detroit Little Libraries creates a dialog in the community. It’s not as much about the books, its more about where the books take you.”
Rashaun Rucker
Printmaker artist, Grosse Point
“The Adventure Begins Here”
acrylic and spray paint
“Books change lives.”
Nbubisi Okoye
painter, Detroit
“Keep Dreaming”
acrylic paint, gesso
“I thought it would be an awesome opportunity to give back to Cass Tech. I learned so much there and discovered my passion for literacy and visual arts. The students and faculty will gain a sense of pride by having a Little Free Library there from an alum.”
Mary Fortuna
Painter, Royal Oak
“Thirteen Snakes”
“I love the concept and the organization and the “pay it forward” spirit of the project. I’m proud to be part of the movement to place free books in neighborhoods and encourage people to read and share.”
Mitchell Schorr
Muralist, New York
“Da Library Race, to Read Books”
spray paint, polyuethane
“Free public art is very important to shaping the imaginations of people, just like reading books does, so to put together this is a way for the public to see art and have the opportunity to read ,both free of charge. To me, is a real way to give back to people.”
Beebop Artist Kelly O’Hara
Painter, Detroit
“City at Sunset”
“I hope that by placing more and more of out little libraries around the city this will promote literacy in the our neighborhoods. In a world where kids are stuck to TV screens and phones, I think its more important than ever before to promote reading and using your imagination.”
Sponsor: First United Methodist Church of Birmingham
Eno Laget
Street artist, Plymouth
“12 Jewelz”
aerosol , spray paint, recycled peek and stick bus wrap material, elbow grease
“Knowledge, wisdom, understanding lead to freedom, justice, equality so you can find food, clothing, shelter and have love, peace and happiness.”
Sponsor: Ron Hartman, LD Carlson Company
Barbara Barefield
Ceramic sculptor, photographer and graphic artist, Detroit
“Sweet reading”
acrylic paint
“I agree with Groucho Marx: ‘I must say I find television very educational. The minute somebody turned it on, I go to the library and read a good book.’”
Sponsor: First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham
Debora Grace
Eclectic visual and performing artist, Plymouth
“Forever Free” (reference Frederick Douglass)
“I am a bibliophile and literacy advocate who has experienced the power that literacy (both reading and cultural), and the written word in its many forms, have to inspire and transform lives.”
Sponsor: Andrew Strong, UBS Weath Management
Loretta Bradfield
Melted Crayon Artist, White Lake
“The Great Lakes Mermaid”
acrylic
“Every neighborhood should have one of these libraries!”
Sponsor: Pam Murray, Pleasant Ridge
Fatima Sow
Fine artist, Detroit
“Stepping Stones”
“This exchange between people from strangers to neighbors will cause a ripple of great friendships and discussions. I’m a strong advocate for literacy and reading is a hobby of mine. I feel this project provides great access of books for children and adults and will help pave the way for future community engagements.”
Sponsor: Deborah Lamm and Jon Wolman
Jesse Kassel
Painter, Detroit
“Marina’s Library”
latex, aerosol paint
“Everybody in this city needs easier access and encouragement to read more books.”
Pam Shapiro
Muralist, Farmington
“Go on an Adventure”
“This piece is a mother/daughter collaboration. Allie, a Chicago resident, is attending Columbia college studying comedy writing and performance.
The city is the background landscape as the housing is surrounded by brightly colored images that come to life as we know to happen as we take an adventure in a book. Whereever you are in life or your day, travel and adventure are free and accessible when read on the written page. This little library represents the ability to travel and go whereever a book takes you. “
Sponsor: The Eaton Family
