Librarian Turns 110-yo Dead Tree Into Free Little Library For Neighborhood

According to the latest American Time Use Survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, since the year 2004, the population of readers in America has dropped by more than 30%.

Given the advantage of today’s advanced technology, it is no wonder why a lot of people seldom pick up a physical book unlike before. After all, you can always turn to Google and ask for things you would like to know.

Sadly, because of the convenient and instantaneous nature of technology, fewer people buy books and experience the extra-ordinary adventure that reading brings to one’s life.

Fortunately, there are people and organizations who are doing everything they could to encourage people to read real books.

The Little Free Library, for example, is a non-profit organization that aims to spark people’s passion for reading by giving them access to books.

Since according to research, the price of books contributes to the factor behind people’s declining interest in reading, Little Free Library is addressing this problem through the collaboration of other people.

The Little Free Library takes form in various shapes and sizes. Inside the box are the favorite books of people that they do not mind sharing with the community.

Aside from the fact that the book is free, it is also accessible anytime be it day or night!

Referred to as mini-town squares, Little Free Library usually comes in the form of small wooden boxes. But there are also mini-town squares that is creatively made to look like a home.

Some people even painted their favorite book on their mini-town square to give it a personal touch.

But there is one mini-town square built in the community of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho that is not really mini in size.

Sharelee Armitage Howard, a librarian, and an artist decided to transform the gargantuan stump of her 110-year-old cottonwood tree unto something magical and ethereal!

Howard’s 110-year-old tree has been causing trouble for her family. Apparently, the old cottonwood tree has been dropping its huge and big branches, risking the safety of passersby.

When one of the huge branches hit her son’s car, Howard realized it is about time they do something about it.

“It was dropping HUGE branches for years onto the sidewalk and street (even without windy weather). We were really worried about someone getting hurt. One finally hit our son’s car.” Howard, a librarian, shared in an interview with Boredpanda.

But instead of cutting down the old tree, Howard realized she can do great things with its roomy stump.

Lo and behold, Howard built what seems to be the most magical, fascinating, and enchanting free library in the world!

In her Facebook post, the artful librarian shared a photo of her masterpiece along with the caption of:

“OK, this project isn’t quite finished… but I can’t wait to share it. We had to remove a huge tree that was over 110 years old, so I decided to turn it into a little free library (which I’ve always wanted). Here it is (minus some cleanup, vegetation, and trim work)!”

The fairy-tale-like photo the librarian posted on her Facebook account spread like wildfire, reaching more than 100,000 shares and likes. It was also featured on various social media sites such as Twitter and Instagram.

Meanwhile, the Facebook netizens vocally expressed their admiration and excitement to Howard and her stunning in-progress masterpiece.

The re-purposed old cottonwood tree stump was hollowed out, in addition, it was given a homey roof and light source perfect for the book lovers out there!

So far, Howard’s extra-ordinary free library looks like a library cut-out from the pages of Harry Potter and Narnia!

SHARE this librarian’s magical and spell-binding library that will definitely enchant you to pick up a book that would take you on an adventure you simply won’t forget!