It has been a little over a month since we proudly painted and opened the 'door' to our free little library. We named it Winifred, to honour my Gram who passed away this August. She loved books, stories, theatre and her community. I know she would have loved our little library.
We all love to read in this family; Sandra Boynton, Dr. Seuss, Margaret Atwood, Chris Hedges, ah and my sons favorite, Mr. Robert Munsch and Alligator Baby (I may slip that one in the library, sigh!). The real excitement for this library is the chance to share our love of reading with our community and to have them share their love of reading with us. As soon as it was up I was snapping pictures, tweeting, face-booking and doing everything I could to spread the word. We have neighbours coming by the house to see the library and to drop off books. We met people who live only 6 doors down and yet we had never met until now, we have been here eight years. A few days ago I came home to find a young girl, about 10 looking through the library. She looked disapoointed. I got out of my car and walked over to her as she was walking away. "Hey, did you find a book", she turned and walked back towards me "no, there was nothing new this week but I will check again in a few days". I learned that she comes every week, usually on a Friday. Sometimes she leaves a book, one that she has journeyed through already and wants to leave for another to enjoy and sometimes she just likes to see what new books have arrived. She even knows how many books are there!
In late August I bumped into one of my neighbours and she asked me if I felt a free little library was really needed in a neighbourhood like ours. I was speechless. She continued, "don't get me wrong I think it's adorable but do you really think it is needed in a community like Sundance? I wouldn't think kids here need free books". I was saddened by her comments and assumptions. There is no wrong or right community to share books and to encourage a place where people can gather. This little library has warmed my heart and has helped me connect with my community.
This little library has done so much more than simply provide a place to share books. It has reinvigorated my love for this community, one that I distanced myself from for some time. Who knows, maybe the neighbour who was a little dubious about Winifred might even take a peak and share a story with me. I am hopeful.
"we read to know we are not alone"C.S. Lewis
