“My ‘pap’ was a big help and gave me different ideas on how to get
the job done,” he explains.
The Little Free Library on Orchard Spring Road has been a big hit.
Brady started the library with only 30 books but the inventory has
already grown to more than 200 titles. He’s also added magazines,
newspapers and bookmarks. Friends, family, neighbors and teachers at
his school have all contributed.
“If we expand the current site, we may have to rename it the Medium
Free Library,” Brady quips.
He monitors the Little Free Library closely and sometimes checks
on the inventory twice a day. Brady also has a logbook where visitors
can leave comments. The response has been very positive and many
patrons think the library is a great addition to the neighborhood. The
location is accessible to both pedestrians and cyclists.
“I like when visitors to the library let me know what they are
interested in reading,” he says. “The library now serves as a message
board for the community.”
A local student who built
a Little Free Library has
plans to create another.
BY PAUL GLASSER
I
n February, Brady Baranowski, a fourth grade student at Chartiers
Valley Intermediate School, installed a Little Free Library at the
parklet near his home on Orchard Spring Road. He built it with
help from his grandfather, mom, dad and younger brother. Brady says
he decided to create his own Little Free Library after seeing similar
efforts in other neighborhoods.
The Little Free Library is based on the “Take a book, leave a book”
concept. The concept originated in Wisconsin in 2009, and since then,
more than 50,000 Little Free Libraries have been created around the
world.
“I put Scott on the map,” Brady says.
His grandfather gave him the supplies to build the library as a
Christmas present. It took about a month to design, build and paint
the library, which looks like a little red schoolhouse. Brady considered
several designs but liked the schoolhouse concept the best.
“I like when visitors to the
library let me know what they
are interested in reading. The
library now serves as a message
board for the community.”
Brady plans to build another Little Free Library this summer,
although he has not yet picked a location. He would also like to
collaborate with anyone else who might be interested.
“If other people would like to build one, we can share our plans with
them,” Brady says.
He enjoys reading Harry Potter and chapter books. His mom,
Monica, says she encourages her sons to read and improve their
comprehension by expanding their vocabulary.
“It’s a process, but it’s a great way for adults to get kids motivated,”
she says.
For more information, visit littlefreelibrary.org. n
Chartiers Valley | Summer 2017 | icmags.com 17