By Maggie Beamguard
Insider Editor
As the children’s rhyme might go these days, “Here is the church; here is the steeple; open the doors and here’s all the . . . books.”
Children in West End and Seven Lakes will find that very thing at the new little library at West End United Methodist Church.
A big idea for a children’s library from Girl Scout Troop 4329 flew off the page and took shape as a little replica of the church filled with books.
Troop members had long ago suggested a children’s little library and, this past August, members of the church’s mission team brought the idea to life. Church members Tom Wetsel and Norman Mangum designed and built the library, which houses children’s books to borrow. Wetsel, who built doll houses for his children, was inspired by the WEUMC bell tower for the design.
After some recent heavy rain, Wetsel is grateful to note that the structure doesn’t leak. Resulting pulp fiction would not have been welcome.
The little library will eventually be registered with the Little Free Library nonprofit based in St. Paul, Minnesota. As of April 2023, Free Little Library has registered more than 150,000 Little Free Libraries on all seven continents in 120 countries and 50 states.
The free book-sharing boxes operate on the honor system. You do not need to share a book to take one.
This project was special to Wetsel, who used to do public school kindergarten pre-assessments and who regularly read to his grandchildren.
“I know that early literacy is so important,” he said. “I’ve been a reading tutor. I don’t have all the gifts in the world, but if children can own books, they seem to do better reading.”
West End United Methodist church has focused on children’s literacy in recent years. The little library was completed at the tail end of their third annual summer reading program.
The Girl Scouts will help maintain and organize the little library as well as spread the word about it. It can be found along the sidewalk near the church sanctuary. All are welcome to bring a children’s book or two to donate or to take one to enjoy.
To locate other Free Little Libraries, visit their website at littlefreelibrary.org or download their app.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
