Ottumwa Regional Health Center (ORHC) will celebrate the opening of a new Little Free Library at its Primary Care Clinic on Wednesday, November 4, at noon.
The community is invited to attend the opening at the ORHC Primary Care Clinic, located at 1009 Pennsylvania Avenue in Ottumwa.
The new library was inspired by Stories for Mayzie, a Little Free Library created by Ari Cassady in Bloomfield in memory of Mayzie, the daughter of Erika and Ricky Wilson, who was stillborn on August 10, 2026.
Cassady, a close friend of Erika, originally created the library as a surprise following the family’s loss. Hoping to honor Mayzie’s memory and bring something positive to a difficult time, Cassady combined Erika’s love of reading with the idea of establishing a Little Free Library outside her home.
Erika later became involved in the project, which grew beyond its original goal with support from friends, family and community members.
“Being able to keep her memory alive is something that we really are striving for, so that she’s not forgotten,” Erika said.
Inspired by the community’s response, Cassady approached ORHC management about creating a separate Little Free Library at the Primary Care Clinic. Cassady and Erika worked together to bring the project to life with support from friends, family members, coworkers and the community.
The new library is a separate project inspired by the original Stories for Mayzie location. Like other Little Free Libraries, it will allow community members to take books home to read and donate books for others to enjoy.
The library will provide another opportunity for patients, families and community members to share books and encourage a love of reading.
ORHC says it is proud to provide a home for the new Little Free Library and help continue the spirit of generosity, connection and reading that inspired the original project.
Little Free Library Opening
- Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
- Time: 12 p.m. noon
- Location: Ottumwa Regional Health Center Primary Care Clinic
- Address: 1009 Pennsylvania Avenue, Ottumwa, Iowa
Community members are invited to attend the opening. Guests are also encouraged to bring a book to donate or choose a book to take home and enjoy.
Source: Ottumwa Regional Health Center (ORHC) press release.
