As COVID-19 cases skyrocket nationwide and residents are urged to stay home as much as possible, three Bensalem locals wanted to give their community something to do.
Michele Cooper and her Williamson Court neighbors Dave and Brittany Ziccardi recently installed a Little Free Library in the Springdale section of the township.
The brightly colored pink, green and purple box features about 20 books geared toward adults and children alike. Interested readers can stop by anytime, choose a book to take home, and either bring it back in exchange for another or, if they really enjoyed the book, keep it.
“Nobody can go anywhere,” said Cooper. “We’re sorry that we have the COVID right now, but because we all are home, the kids can go by themselves, just go to the library and take out a book if they want. It’s really for the community.”
Cooper, a retired librarian who taught in Trenton, New Jersey, saw Little Free Libraries in other areas, including Upper Bucks County. But none could be found in Bensalem. When she discovered the Ziccardis were also fans of the concept, the trio sprung into action.
Dave ordered the box online from Little Free Library – a nonprofit that boasts more than 100,000 tiny libraries around the world. According to the organization, about 30 million adults in the United States cannot read or write above a third-grade level. Studies show that books in the hands of children have a meaningful impact on improving literacy. The nonprofit’s overarching mission is to expand book access through a global network of volunteer-led little libraries.
The library, which was constructed by Amish craftsmen, is weather-resistant, low-maintenance and available for use 24/7.
Once it was installed, Cooper adventured around town, passing out fliers and informing neighbors about the “neat little project.” She also collected nearly five bags of books for the library thanks to her own work as well as surprise donations appearing on her 2469 Williamson Court doorstep.
“It’s great that you provide books to the community, but it’s also great that you get to interact with the community,” said Dave. “It’s like a platform for engagement.”
According to Dave, once the Little Free Library gains some traction in Bensalem, there are plans to expand the initiative.
“There’s more things we can do with it that I’m looking forward to. I’ve looked into geocaching. We can drop a pin where the library is and people can interact with it in that way, similar to the technology used in the Pokemon Go app,” he said. “It’s also not just limited to books. I’ve seen ones where people have chess pieces in there and a board game to play.”
In the spring and summer, Cooper and the Ziccardis hope to set up lawn chairs by the library, where people can relax, enjoy a book and interact with neighbors while social distancing.
“Springdale is a nice area of townhouses, and I would love it if all of the kids and all the adults, anybody, would come and look at books, take what they want and borrow. Maybe if they have a book they don’t want anymore, they can take a book and bring back a book, exchange it,” Cooper said.
Overall, the goal is to bring the community together during these trying times. It also gives kids and parents who are learning and working from home a much-needed break from their screens.
“It’s always good to have something tangible in your hands once in a while,” said Dave.
Visit littlefreelibrary.org for more information.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
