The town of Tatum now has its own Little Free Library.
The library is up and open for book sharing in front of the Tatum Post Office.
Marian Wright Edelman Public Library Director Bobbie Grooms said a recent story in the Marlboro Electric Cooperative magazine featured the Little Free Library initiative in the county. In the story, Grooms talked about how impactful they have been during the pandemic and how every township and area in the county had at least one Little Free Library except for Tatum.
A Cooperative member had read the story and was inspired to donate money to make sure the town had one.
Grooms said the Little Free Library was placed in memory of the donor’s late son Joshua and Groom’s late brother Daniel. Both young men were friends in school.
“It is already being used,” she said.
It is located at the Tatum Post Office near the railroad tracks.
Mayor Steve Nolan said the town will maintain the Little Free Library. Marlboro County Government helped to install it. Grooms said Arthur Hamer of the Marlboro County Maintenance Department built the stand and installed it in Tatum. He has plans to paint the post.
The City of Bennettsville maintains the Little Free Libraries within city limits while MWE maintains those located in the county.
Grooms said they will accept donations of books for the libraries. Those interested in donating may bring them to MWE or put them inside the Little Free Libraries themselves.
The Tatum location is the 13th Little Free Library in the county.
Others are located at the Bennettsville Visitor’s Center, Marlboro County Adult Education, Hodges Park, Woodland Park, Smith Park, Lake Paul Wallace, Woods Avenue Apartments in Clio, Geddie Park in McColl, Gilchrist Apartments in McColl, Wallace Post Office, Brightsville Park, and Blenheim Post Office.
“We now have one in every township,” Grooms said. “All are free. Take a book, leave a book is the premise behind the Little Free Library project.”
For more information, call MWE at 549-479-5630.