Nearly 50 Authors Donate Books to Indiana Woman’s Little Free Library

This article was orignally published August 28, 2025.

Newburgh Indiana Woman Curates Little Free Library by Reaching Out to New and Upcoming Authors

It’s always fun to stumble across a local Facebook group you didn’t know existed. This week, I discovered a Newburgh, Indiana, group that I wasn’t part of yet, so I joined. Warrick County has been in the spotlight recently after some drama at a Town Hall meeting, so seeing something a little more positive is a welcome change from the chaos we seem to be surrounded by every day.

Indiana Resident Brings Authors to Her Little Free Library

Today’s bit of good news comes from a Newburgh woman who has taken the initiative to stock her Little Free Library with books she’s personally curated from authors.

Back in June, Newburgh, IN, resident Karen Scheessele, announced that she was opening a Little Free Library in her community.

Karen told me that she is a former special needs educator, principal, and juvenile probation officer. She originally started her Little Free Library journey in the Juvenile Court division of the courthouse, where she handled a small book exchange for children waiting to go to court.

In a Facebook post, she said that the new library, posted at her home, is a tribute to her family.

"This LFL is more than just a book exchange-it’s a tribute to my mom who passed away last May and my stepdad who is 98 years old and bringing us great joy every day with his kindness and humor! They were both avid readers."

Check out her Facebook page.

This week, Karen shared a photo of her Little Free Library in the group along with an update about her recent project and how her writing journey led her here. Karen said that she likes offering newer books in her library. So, a few months ago, she started reaching out to authors, telling them about her library and the impact their words could make. In return, she promised that she'd display their book and offer an online review.

"There are some great authors out there. This has opened my eyes to just how many authors and genres that I'd never even heard of are available!"

To her surprise, nearly 50 authors responded, many of them generously donating copies of their books. Karen was a little shocked at how many responded. At first, she reviewed all the books herself, but when the books started coming in droves, she solicited friends and family to help her with the reviews.

“I bless every book that arrives, and I bless the author who sent it, because I know these books will travel far, touching hands and hearts in ways I may never see,” Karen said.

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Kentucky and Indiana Readers Benefit from Book Donations

Karen also spotlights the authors who send their books. This week, she highlighted indie artist and poet Sharon Arsego.

“Today, I want to highlight Sharon Arsego – Indie Artist, who writes beautiful poetry. Sharon generously contributed her work to my library, and her words now live here in Newburgh for a short period of time inspiring those who stop by. Thank you, Sharon, for sharing your gift of poetry with us.”

Reading Decline in Indiana and Across the U.S.

According to arts.gov, reading for pleasure is slumping. A recent report shows reading for fun is steadily declining across all age groups, with fiction reading at its lowest level in decades. Since 2012, youth daily reading has dropped sharply, especially around age 13, with much of that time going to TV and digital entertainment like TikTok.

Why Little Free Libraries Matter in Indiana and Kentucky

People like Karen are trying to combat these trends by making reading more accessible and fun for both kids and adults. She often switches up the theme of her library. In the past, she’s stocked it with comic books, holiday-themed reads, and even included little trinkets like pencils and bookmarks. It’s like a tiny Scholastic Book Fair right in the neighborhood.

History of Little Free Libraries in the United States

Little Free Libraries began in 2009 in Hudson, Wisconsin, when Todd H. Bol built the first one from an old garage door. Modeled after a one-room schoolhouse, like Karen he created it as a tribute to his late mother, a teacher and avid reader. At the time of his passing in 2018, more than 75,000 Little Free Libraries had been registered in 88 countries worldwide.

Read More: Where to Find the Indiana Camping Library Lady

Visit the Newburgh Indiana Little Free Library

Karen and her husband also help stock other free libraries in the area, and also carry extras to contribute to Little Free Libraries when they travel.

"We can't be stagnant with the talents God has given us. This is my talent, and I want to share it."

If you’d like to contribute to Karen’s Little Free Library or grab a good book, you can find it at 4488 Stonegarden Lane Newburgh, Indiana. You can also keep up with the Little Free Library by visiting their facebook page.