Library launches free little pantry

WEYAUWEGA – A new free little pantry at the Weyauwega Public Library is offering food and household necessities to anyone in need.

The pantry is located inside the library and is open during regular library hours. No registration is required and visitors are encouraged to “take what you need, give what you can.”

“It is very gratifying to see neighbors helping neighbors,” Library Director Kelly Kneisler said.

Kneisler said the idea for the free pantry began last October when a library patron proposed it to the library’s board of trustees after seeing a similar pantry at the Scandinavia Public Library. Though the Weymont Food Pantry serves residents, it is only open Mondays from 9-11 a.m. and 5:30-7 p.m.

“She thought since we were open more hours than our local food pantry and we serve the community, it made a lot of sense to have one here at the library,” Kneisler said. “We are working hand in hand with the local pantry to help cover the needs of our community.”

Library staff worked with the board to determine how the pantry could fit within the building and chose a spot near the entrance by the copy machine, where many visitors already stop.

“We made some space available and began taking donations,” Kneisler said. “We also have handmade crocheted and knitted items like scarves and blankets at times. There are some individual snacks for after school. We do not ask for any information from anyone who takes items from the pantry. It is open to everyone.”

Community response has been positive, with residents quickly donating items that the library requests on social media.

“Our community has been so very generous,” Kneisler said. “Our shelves are pretty full most of the time.”

The Weyauwega Public Library is located at 301 S. Mill St. Library hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday. Donations can be dropped off in a bin near the circulation desk.