A joint project by Abbotsford Christian School students has brought the joy of reading to their neighbourhood through a Little Free Library they built and stocked with books.
Their Little Free Library is located by the road in front of their elementary campus at 3939 Old Clayburn Rd. Anyone in the neighbourhood can take or share a book.
The project was a joint collaboration between the Grade 5 Red Cedar Book Club and the Grade 12 woodworking class at Abbotsford Christian School class, and worked on during the spring school session.
The idea started with vice-principal Karin Riemer, who passed it on to teacher-librarian Linda Groot, who presented it to her reading club. From there, the idea took off.
“This is a prime example of project-based learning” Groot said. “The students embraced the idea of sharing their love of reading with their community and did the work needed to build a library and collect the books. There is true ownership and pride in what they accomplished, and it benefits everyone.”
First, the students toured local Little Free Libraries to get an idea of the design, researched concepts online, then videotaped their dreams for their Little Free Library for the woodworking class. The secondary students drew up plans, then sent them back to the elementary students for approval.
The Little Free Library, built mostly by Grade 12 student Liam Kiers, is a miniature replica of the elementary school, and includes a book and bookworm, as requested.
The elementary book club members each purchased a book from Vancouver Kidsbooks, donated their own books, and wrote letters to local bookstores requesting their support. House of James donated several books and The Bookman donated several large boxes, as well as committing to ongoing support of the Little Free Library.
Little Free Library is a non-profit organization that inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighbourhood book exchanges around the world. Through Little Free Libraries, millions of books are exchanged each year, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds.