Sky Harbor Airport launches new ‘Free Little Library’

Travel days can be stressful and tedious with long or delayed flights. Sky Harbor Airport is combating travel stress with a free selection of books.

Through a new partnership with Phoenix Public Library and Friends of the Phoenix Public Library, the airport opened the PHX Free Little Library at the Terminal 3 Culture Corner.

The library offers a selection for readers of all ages. Travelers can take or leave a book for others to enjoy with no library card necessary.

Jon Brodsky, Communications and Outreach Administrator at Sky Harbor Airport, and Lee Franklin, Community Relations Director at Phoenix Public Library, joined “Arizona Horizon” to talk about the new library on the go.

The Culture Corner is located past Terminal 3’s security in the F gate. Brodusky added, “about once a month we have a non-profit come in and people get to celebrate the culture and diversity of Arizona.”

The project was largely inspired by other airports that have their own Little Free Library services such as, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, Seattle-Tacoma and San Antonio International.

“We thought ‘Wow! why not add something that’s activated all the time?'” Brodusky said. “Why not partner with our colleagues at the Phoenix Public Library and the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library and bring this wonderful amenity to our passengers.'”

The partnership between the three was a joint effort that had been in the works for over six months, according to Brodusky.

“We’ve been trying to get out to the airport for years,” Franklin said. “Any time we can encourage people to pick up a book, any kind of book – all reading is good, and connect with reading material but also with their fellow community member..we’re always excited to support that.”

The Phoenix Public Library curated the first selection of books in the Free Little Library which included books for adults and children alike. Brodusky added, “The children’s books have been the hot items in the first couple of days. Those are the one’s we’ll have to restock the soonest.”