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By Anthony Richards | anthony.richards@northchiltonadvertiser.com

Summer fun and relaxation does not have to be void of reading and other educational development common during the school year.

The town of Thorsby supported the idea for a “little free library” proposed to the Town Council during its meeting Monday by Thorsby resident Chanel Bingham and her family.

Bingham said the idea for the library came about in an effort to help battle the typical decline in reading development that occurs over the summer.

“Time spent reading is the best way to help out,” Bingham said.

Bingham explained to the Council how her daughter became passionate about reading in the past year. The family began thinking of ways that the entire community could share in the enthusiasm.

“We are promoting literacy,” Bingham said.

Councilman Neil Benson asked if any sites were being considered for the library.

Bingham said the desired location for the library is around the playground area at Richard Wood Park near Thorsby School.

A newsstand will be constructed and provide relief from weather.

An established selection of books are expected to be gathered prior to opening the stand from friends and fellow classmates of Bingham’s three children.

With 20-25 students in each class, that should provide the basis for opening up the library, Bingham said.

Children would be allowed to exchange books for free.

Bingham’s daughter stood up and read a message to the council and attendees of the meeting asking for their support.

Mayor Jean Nelson clarified that the request does not need a motion from the council but offered her full support of the idea.

In other business, Thorsby Police Chief Rodney Barnett presented a proposal to each of the Council members to consider issuing a handgun to certain city employees.

Councilman Marvin Crumpton asked if an employee made a “mistake” could the town be held liable.

“We would not be immune to that,” Barnett said.

The reason for issuing a gun would be to help city employees that encounter dangerous obstacles on the job, such as snakes.

Barnett’s proposal designated that the guns would be contained in vehicles and will not be carried in a holster.

“We’re not going to be reading water meters with a gun on our hip,” Public Works Director Terry Jackson said.

The Council agreed to have an attorney look over the proposal and will address it again at a future meeting.

The Council also heard from Jackson about his interest in acquiring a wire welder, which the department currently does not have.

Councilman Randall Higgins was absent from the meeting.