Perhaps you’ve heard of the Little Free Library movement? The concept is simple: quirky mailbox-like structures filled with books supplied by readers that are free for all to enjoy. Borrow a book or leave one to share with the world – it’s a grass roots way to promote reading and randomly discover new books.
Westchase District is getting on the literacy love by installing its first Little Free Library this week at the west entrance to the Library Loop Trail, next to the Robinson Westchase Library, 3223 Wilcrest Drive.
The movement began in 2009 when Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin, built a model of a one room schoolhouse as a tribute to his mother. She was a teacher who loved to read, so he filled it with books and put it on a post in his front yard. His neighbors and friends loved it. He built several more and gave them away. Each one had a sign that said FREE BOOKS.As of March 2016, more than 1,000 Little Free Libraries have been donated in Texas alone.
Among the initial titles found in Westchase District’s enclosed, two-story, birdhouse-looking bookshelf:
- Tuesdays with Morrie
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
- The Great Gatsby (complete with handwritten notes!)
“They create another cool amenity for our trail users and they help foster a literacy-friendly community,” said Louis Jullien, Westchase District’s project director. “I hope people will find new reading favorites and that they will share their favorite books with others.”
The installation is only the first of several Little Free Libraries to be located along the trail. Another one, sponsored by Zachry Group, will appear soon. If you or your company would like to sponsor a Little Free Library in Westchase District, contact Louis Jullien, 713-780-9434.
