A Little Bit of Magic Discovering Little Free Libraries just in time for summer reading

Feature: A Little Bit of Magic A Little Bit of Magic:

Discovering Little Free Libraries Just in Time for Summer Reading

By Brooke Strickland

Anyone who has been immersed in a good book knows the special magic of a story. In neighborhoods all around Clark County, Little Free Libraries are sparking imaginations and bringing enchantment to readers young and old, right in their own neighborhoods.

Simple Beginnings

In 2009, Todd Bol, a Wisconsin resident, built a model of a one-room schoolhouse and filled it with books. He fastened it to the top of a post and placed it in his front yard. People loved it so much that he started making more to give out to friends. After some discussion with one particular friend, they decided to set a goal of having 2,508 Little Free Libraries in four years. That initial goal was exceeded in just a year and a half, and in 2012, Little Free Library officially became a registered nonprofit organization. Today, there are a more than 100,000 registered “little” libraries in more than 100 countries.

Little Free Libraries around Town

If you are in the mood to go explore with your kids, check out the library map at www.littlefreelibrary.org. Simply type in your zip code and see how many registered libraries pop up in your area. Then, grab a few books of your own that you are willing to share, hit the road and see what kind of books you can find. Chances are, you will discover a handful of other libraries that aren’t registered with the organization, too. and white mini library full of all sorts of genres. A couple minutes away on the corner of 23rd and Harney Street, another library always has kids’ books, fiction and non-fiction books on hand.

Heading up toward Hazel Dell, one registered library sits at Lakeshore Athletic Club, and another one can be found on the campus of the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Washington, next to Hazel Dell Elementary School. In Camas, you can find one on the perimeter of Crown Park.

Downtown Vancouver (especially the Hough neighborhood) is home to several different mini libraries that are regularly stocked. Next to Simply Sweets on Washington Street, there is a large red

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These locations are just a starting point. There are many more to discover in neighborhoods around Clark County.

Encouraging Literacy

With summer in sight, keeping kids reading during their time off school is important. It not only keeps their brains learning, it keeps their imaginations alive. In addition to seeking out some new treasures at Little Libraries around town, think about enrolling your kids in summer reading programs. Barnes and Noble’s summer reading program began in May and continues through the summer. “Barnes & Noble is a champion of children’s literacy and booksellers across the country pride themselves on connecting readers to the perfect book with the goal of fostering a life-long love of reading,” says Jackie De Leo, vice president, bookstore, Barnes & Noble. “The Barnes & Noble Summer Reading program, a cornerstone of the company’s focus during the summer months, encourages readers in grades 1-6 to read eight books to receive one book at the end of the summer, and is now in its 25th year.” Kids can pick up their summer reading journal in-store or print it on the store website. Once it is completed, return it to your local store. The free book that they earn can be redeemed in July and August.

Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries will also be doing their annual “Summer at Your Library” program. The program runs from June 15 to August 15 and will be for children and adults. Kelsey Hudson, student and youth partnership coordinator at the library shares, “As with our last couple of years, we’re challenging library patrons to Read, Learn, Create and Explore throughout their summer. All children (under 18) who complete the challenge will get a library tote bag and their choice of prize (book, journal, early learning toy and more) at the end of the summer. Finishers of all ages will be entered to the grand prize drawings as well. Sixteen winners, one winner from each branch, as well as one winner from each age bracket will win a shopping spree (gift card) to a local store.” The library will also be hosting a variety of performances and virtual programs this year, as well as a weekly video challenge. All information, including game boards and calendars are available inside libraries and at fvrl.org. Literary Leftovers Used Bookstore in Battle Ground will also be providing reading incentives this year, with on-site events happening starting at the end of June. Kelsey Simons, owner of the store, shares that from June 25 to August 20, the store will host game nights with prizes and refreshments every other Friday from 4-6 pm for teens and tweens ages 11 and up. Kids 10 and under can enjoy story time and crafts every Tuesday at 3 pm from June 29 to August 17. In addition, the shop will give prizes out for kids under age 18 who read eight books between June and August. For more information, check out their website at literaryleftoversbg.com.

Wherever your adventures take you this summer, be sure to make time for reading. There are all kinds of libraries, both big and little, waiting to be discovered.

A lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, Brooke Strickland is a full time freelance writer and 0co-author of the book, “Hooked on Games” (FEP International, 2012). When taking a break from writing, she can be found in a cozy chair with a book, or on the Oregon coast with her two daughters, husband, and two dogs.