Plattsmouth’s Bridgett Miller Spearheads Free Library Movement

In Plattsmouth, Nebraska, Bridgett Miller is not just another resident. With a vision to enrich her community through accessible literature, she is on a quest to create a Free Little Library.

“I love to read and I frequently donate to the free little pantry in town,” Miller shared. Upon seeing videos of free libraries on TikTok, she exclaimed, “I thought that’s a good idea and something I’d love to run IF I could have someone build it for me.” She’s aware of another free library on the outskirts of town, but it’s the central location she’s after. “I’d like to offer all types of books, children’s, adult, YA etc.“

Miller’s proposed site, close to local favorites like Subway and Beyond BBQ, seems prime for visitors. “I think I’d get some foot traffic,” she anticipates, noting its proximity to a major town road.

As a disabled Vet and a CASA, Miller’s commitment to community service runs deep. “I’ve always been one to volunteer locally,” she shares. Mentioning her affiliations with a Rottweiler Rescue and the American Legion, she admits, “I’m not sure how they actually shape my vision but I do love giving back to the community.” Bridgett isn’t originally from Plattsmouth but has called it home for 14 years and laments the lack of a bookstore, which closed years ago.

Young readers are a major focus for Miller. “Young Adult is a big genre. Have you been on booktok???????? That genre is huge,” she said, highlighting the potential draw for younger generations.

The idea of collaboration with the Boy Scouts excites her. “Oh, I think that would be HUGE!” she remarked, recounting her conversation with a scout parent. She’s eager to see it come to life: “I’d like it done fairly soon. I’m so excited about this concept.“

Every endeavor comes with hurdles, and Miller is candid about hers. Concerns range from sourcing books to potential damages. Still, she has strategies. “I’ll use sources such as Thriftbooks, Goodwill etc to keep stock,” she notes, adding that community members have already expressed interest in donating.

Rotation will be key in keeping the library’s stock diverse. “I would monitor the content and make sure there was a variety… It’s all about rotation!“

The concept of free community libraries isn’t new. In 2009, Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin, built a model of a one-room schoolhouse as a tribute to his mother, a former schoolteacher who loved reading. He filled it with books and put it on a post in his front yard, marking the birth of the first Little Free Library. Today, Little Free Libraries have proliferated around the world, with over 100,000 registered Little Free Libraries in over 100 countries.

For Plattsmouth, Miller’s dream is just beginning. Her ambition, combined with a love for reading, has the potential to change the town’s literary landscape, one book at a time.