New “Free Keychain Library” Offers Fun Trading Post for Mokena Community

Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees Meeting | July 2025

Article Summary
A unique and whimsical “Free Keychain Library” has been installed at the Mokena Community Public Library District, offering a new way for residents to engage with the library. The miniature library, built and donated by the local Uelman family, invites community members of all ages to trade keychains and small trinkets.

Free Keychain Library Key Points:

• The miniature library was built and donated to the library by the Uelman family.

• It is located outdoors, next to the library’s little free pantry.

• The concept encourages community members to “leave a trinket if you don’t have a keychain.”

• The project was created to provide a fun and exciting new interactive feature for library visitors.

MOKENA, Il. – The Mokena library has unveiled a playful new addition to its grounds: a “Free Keychain Library.” The small, custom-built structure was donated by the Uelman family and has been installed next to the library’s popular little free pantry.

Unlike its literary counterpart, this miniature library is designed for trading keychains and other small trinkets. The project aims to create a fun, interactive experience for all community members, as explained in an email shared by library staff.

“I wanted to do something exciting and fun for all the members of the community,” the project’s originator, Kelly, wrote. “I always enjoy visits to the local library. So, I thought let’s do something different and exciting! Let’s turn your trinkets into keychains for Mokena’s Free Keychain Library! Wanna come trade keychains? Come on down to the Mokena Library location! You can always leave a trinket if you don’t have a keychain.”

The installation provides another destination for visitors to the library grounds and encourages a simple, lighthearted form of community exchange.