JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) — Wm. S. Gussner Elementary School unveiled a unique ‘Dog Man’ Little Free Library, one of only 50 granted nationwide as part of the “Power Up with Reading” initiative by Scholastic and Little Free Library.

The special event took place on Thursday, May 23, at 10:00 a.m. at the school located at 1509 4th St. NE, Jamestown, ND 58401. In addition to the Little Free Library book-sharing box, the school received over 1,000 books for young readers, donated by Dav Pilkey, the worldwide bestselling author and illustrator of the Dog Man series.

The unveiling ceremony featured participation from the Wm. S. Gussner Elementary community, including Principal Luke Anderson and the Wm. S. Gussner Parent Teacher Organization. The event celebrated the school’s selection as one of the recipients of the national initiative aimed at promoting reading among children.

The Dog Man Little Free Library housed a diverse collection of children’s books, encouraging students to borrow, exchange, return, or donate books freely. This initiative supported the mission of Little Free Library, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding book access and fostering a love of reading.

Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man series, including the latest release, “Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder,” has topped bestseller lists globally. Pilkey, who overcame challenges with ADHD and dyslexia, is known for his inspirational journey from a struggling student to a celebrated author. His works, including “Dog Man” and “Captain Underpants,” have millions of copies in print and have significantly impacted children’s literature.

Luke Anderson, Principal of Wm. S. Gussner Elementary, expressed excitement about the new addition, highlighting its potential to enhance literacy and community engagement.

Little Free Library® (LFL) is a nonprofit organization that promotes community and literacy through a global network of book-sharing boxes. With over 180,000 registered libraries worldwide, LFL has facilitated the sharing of more than 300 million books since its inception in 2009. The organization received the 2020 World Literacy Award.