SMELTERVILLE — The city of Smelterville is excited to announce their newest addition to their city park — The Little White Library.

The idea came from Linda Guthmiller, a Smelterville resident and city councilwoman, who had seen the small kiosk-style libraries all over Spokane’s South Hill and thought to herself how perfect one would be in Smelterville.

Margie White was a teacher in the Kellogg School District for 21 years, even more if you count her early years as a substitute teacher.

One of the district’s most popular and beloved educators, White believed in and supported literacy in her students — it didn’t matter if she was teaching English, social studies, math or reading.

“No matter what subject she taught, she always had bookcases full of books in her room for kids to read,” Guthmiller said. “She knew the value of reading, and she made it one of her priorities to always have books available for kids to check out and read.”

Almost all of the books White had in her classroom were purchased by her personally, many of them had made their way into her basement following her retirement.

Guthmiller and White were close friends and also worked alongside each other at KMS for many years, and after White passed away last year Guthmiller wanted to do something to honor her friend.

“As much as she loved kids, they loved her back and she was a popular, much-loved teacher,” Guthmiller said. “Now to honor her memory, the Little White Library has been put up in the Smelterville City Park to share those books with anyone who would like to have one, and it is dedicated to Mrs. White. The books in the library are a part of her vast collection and are free to all. The sign on the library says ‘Help Yourself,’ and it is hoped that people will enjoy these books for a long time to come.”

The books range in age levels from toddler all the way to adult, and Guthmiller hopes that the idea appeals to all people, all walks of life, and all ages.

“I thought, how nice would it be to be on a bike ride and be able to stop, have lunch, and read a book,” Guthmiller said. “I also figured that Mr. Biker might want to read something other than ‘A is for Apple.”

The city of Smelterville would like to thank Linda Guthmiller for the idea, Ray Guthmiller for building the little library, Ken Bartle for etching the plexiglass, and Ralph Walchly for helping install it.