People around the world have embraced the idea of free “take a book, return a book” exchange programs affectionately known as “Little Free Libraries”
Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home at 1500 W. Braddock Rd. Alexandria, VA 22302 recently established, and become official stewards of a Little Free Library to offer a way to promote a sense of community, share good things to read, and support increased literacy for both children and adults.
Third-generation Everly, Linda Smith commissioned Crematory Operator Justin Walt to hand craft a birdhouse-like structure complementary to the newly renovated main building. Nestled near an inviting tree, adorned with a hand-painted sign, and filled with a variety of books donated by Mr. Julian and Mrs. Jean Everly, the Little Free Library at Everly-Wheatley beckons to passer byers to take a peek inside. Already a few times, Managing Partner, D. Scott Sanderford has peered out his overlooking office window to see someone resting up against the tree, reading.
So, how does it work?
Take a book. If you see something you would like to read, take it. Share a book. Return it to any Little Library or pass it on to a friend. Give books. Donate favorite books from your childhood or books you would recommend to friends, books that teach, intrigue and engage you.
Soon the outside “reading nook” will be accompanied by a bench, and it is with great anticipation that Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home looks forward to experiencing the shared community enjoyment of their Little Free Library. Staff is also prepared to introduce families in their care the funeral home’s newly instituted “Lending Library” located inside with books and resources for those coping and healing from grief, mourning or loss of all variations. For more information, please visit www.littlefreelibrary.org and www.everlywheatley.com.
