The ribbon cutting and opening-day celebration for the Platte Purchase Daughters of the American Revolution’s Little Lending Library took place recently, and has proven to be a welcome addition to the community.
Local DAR members initiated the project in the hope that this little library would become a cherished source of good reading and inspiration for the entire community.
The event took place at the Ben Ferrel Museum and included free book making kits for attendees. The little library is located in the museum’s backyard and offers more than 100 books for children and their families to enjoy.
Platte Purchase DAR Regent, Janee Probst said local members embraced the project with enthusiasm and generosity.
“Whether helping select books, design the library structure, or plan the celebration, our chapter has poured its heart into this initiative,” Probst said. “It reflects the DAR’s commitment to community service and educational outreach, and we see this as a legacy project that will continue to benefit Platte City for years to come.”
The Platte Purchase DAR chapter is dedicated to education, historic preservation and patriotism, and they believe the Little Lending Library is a meaningful way to serve their community.
It offers easy access to books for children and adults alike.
Dave Roach (pictured here with Clarice Roach) built the Little Lending Library for the Platte Purchase Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
DAR members’ aim is to encourage families to read together, discover new ideas, and build a culture of lifelong learning.
“By placing the library near the Ben Ferrel Museum, we’re also creating a bridge between literature and local history - a space where imagination and education can thrive side by side,” Probst said. “It’s a small structure with a big purpose: to connect, uplift, and inspire.”
While the museum hosted the ribbon cutting event and open house, DAR set up the program and dedication. “This is their project with our blessing and input,” Lisa Wittmeyer, museum curator, said.
Dave Roach built the Little Lending Library. The construction took place over a three-month period.
“My wife, Clarice, is a member of the Platte Purchase DAR, so I hear a lot about what they are doing,” Roach said. The idea of the free little library came up at one of their meetings and they were looking for someone to build it. They considered purchasing a kit but felt a custom version would be more interesting.”
Since the little library would be located near the museum, Roach said one of the DAR members suggested that the library design should have some architectural elements of the Ben Ferrel Museum.
“Clarice asked if I would be willing to build the library,” Roach said. “I was a bit hesitant at first since I’d never done anything like that before. I eventually agreed to build it since there were not other volunteers. It was a fun project for me and very rewarding.”
Since he had no specific plans, Roach worked on the project a little bit at a time, making changes as it took shape.
For Probst, the most rewarding part of helping to plan and open the little library to the public has been watching the local chapter’s mission come to life in such a tangible way.
“Seeing children reach into that little library, pull out a book, and light up with excitement - that’s the real reward,” Probst said. “It’s also deeply meaningful to have this library on the grounds of the Ben Ferrel Museum, a place our chapter helped develop and still supports today. This project blends our love for education, history, and community into one beautiful offering. It’s a proud moment for us as Daughters, and for me as Regent.”