I have been working with Downtown Kalamazoo, Inc. for about three years to establish a little free library. It is located at the Arcadia Festival site in the kids' playground. This play area is enjoyed mostly by under-served children. I hope to bring a smidgen of joy and light into their little lives. We are officially #54899 in the world-wide network of LFLs.
A location was chosen which was convenient to the playground and a picnic table.
The library box itself was converted from an old phone stand that is wheelchair height (just the right height for kids to reach in). Patrick (friend and employee of DKI) converted the box from its unused location on Kalamazoo Mall to the park. He added a door with plexiglass window and shelves to accommodate various book sizes. He painted it forest green to match the rest of the park "furniture."
A cement pad was added to support the box and a stepping stone was later added so folks don't have to stand on wet grass or mud while looking for books. As most people are looking down at their smart phones as they pass, soon I will paint "READ!" on the stepping stone. Maybe that will catch their eye and encourage them to look up.
Books had been collected over the last six months and I had nearly 300 to start.
Finally the grand opening day was August 19.
We had about 20 kids (although we had planned for 75). Here are some of our first customers after the ribbon cutting. They all got a tutorial on how to use the book box.
Then each child received a 12-pack of sidewalk chalk and a choice of two activity books with crayons.
They got right to work using the chalk.
Thanks to my crew for helping with the grand opening. Martha on left, me, Dixie, and my mom (seated). My sis helped out, too, but she is taking the photos. Thanks to all!
I'll give you an update in a few week to let you know how it is going.
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