Religious Leaflets Make Way Into 'Little Free Library'

The "Little Free Library" movement is meant to promote literacy through a free exchange of books, but an Oak Creek resident says his is being used to spread religious-based fear.

John Nuck, who has a Little Free Library on his property in South Milwaukee, says unknown people are putting religious leaflets inside the home for books, "warning of impending doom and a one-way ticket to hell."

"This proliferation of dogma has caused concern in our little community, whose children often exchange books and confront these worrisome messages of fear," Nuck said.

Little Free Libraries have popped up throughout the country and even the world. The first one in Oak Creek was started earlier this summer on Bonita Drive.

The concept is simple: people visit a birdhouse-sized box, take a book that interests them, and replace it with another. Anyone can use them, and readers are encouraged to put their name in the book or pass on a note to the next reader.

Nuck, however, says some have taken it too far.

His Little Free Library has served as a meeting place for neighbors to exchange books and build a sense of community, he said. But now it's become a source of consternation, despite signs posted by his wife asking people to refrain from sharing religious beliefs.

"I am reaching out to the individuals that feel compelled to share their beliefs, to do so in their own homes or places of worship, and not to take advantage of our little free library as a means to proselytize people in our community," Nuck said.