Celebrate the Power of Stories
Yes, I do have exciting news! After months of deliberations, emails, phone calls and a champion for the cause in their midst, the local Park District has approved my gift of a Little Free Library (LFL). I expect it to be installed soon in Sunset Park, a park with many family-friendly amenities and a natural, graceful beauty.
I have chosen an inviting, but visible, spot near the Tot Playground which is adjacent to a large semi-circular bench, providing ample seating for readers.
For new readers of grandbooking, it might be helpful to learn about my involvement with the Little Free Library from my earlier post: There’s a New Library in Town.
Basically, the LFL is a small collection of books that is housed in a cabinet built with recycled materials. People can take a book to read and can also leave a book for others’ enjoyment.
A man in Hudson, Wisconsin—Tod Bol— made the original one of these out of a doll house and put it on his front lawn in memory of his mother, a schoolteacher. That neighborly act has sparked a global literacy movement. And now the Little Free Library is coming to Highland Park.
Here’s a picture of our LFL, the Scandinavian Cottage, and its description:
To welcome the LFL to our community, I am organizing an informal gathering in Sunset Park on Sunday, August 11 at 2 p.m. I am happy to tell you that the wonderful and popular Nili Yelin, The Storybook Mom, will be performing! Children and adults alike will be captivated by the imaginative way she brings stories to life. Nili is a passionate promoter of literacy, and I am thrilled she is joining us.
In my earlier post, I promised to bring refreshments, and I intend to keep my word. You’re all invited; if you can, bring a book to donate to our LFL. Hope to see you there!
T-SHIRT GIVEAWAY!!! You are eligible to win a Little Free Library t-shirt by commenting on this post. Contest is open until midnight (CST), August 9.
I wished i lived in Chicago Belinda so i could attend. What a wonderful project! “Life following blogging” 🙂 and such a great idea. I hope you get not only a big turnout for the “grand opening” but also many subsequent visits by parents and kids enjoying a good book together in what I’m sure is a lovely setting.
Thanks for all your supportive comments, Barbara. Wish you could be there, as well, but I hope to post some pics!
I would join you, too if you weren’t so far away! I think it is wonderful that you are donating a LFL and that you have made so many others aware of it. Can’t wait to see and hear all about your opening celebration!
hi kc, if you saw my most recent post, you know that you’ve won the giveaway – congrats! write me @ belindambrock@gmail.com so i have your email and i can send the t-shirt to you. bb
I appreciate your enthusiasm, Kc!
What a great thing you’re doing! Here from the Grand Social Hop & wishing you resounding success. BB2U
bb, thanks for stopping by and for your good wishes, bb
cant wait to see it!
thanks, maxie…will definitely post pics.
Woo hoo! This is so very cool! I’ve wanted to do such a thing just on my block, after seeing awesome little libraries online. Love, love, love this. Good luck! And do share pics of the grand opening! ♥
Thanks for your support, Lisa. I just biked over to the park to see it—I think it looks great! Now I just hope people will use it 🙂
This is just a wonderful idea, putting the take a book/leave a book concept everywhere. Love reading your updates.
I fell in love with the concept, too, Carol. Thanks for following the evolution of this project 😉