This past weekend was another weekend of all things books. My partner and I are always buying books, at used book stores (like the Net Shed in Meaford or Williamsford Bookstore and Cafe in Williamsford), Goodwill, local independent bookstores (like Wordsworth Books, uptown Waterloo), and popular bookstores (like Chapters).
After filling our bookcases with a new mass of reading material, the shelves doubly stacked and books squeezed in on top of rows, we thought we needed to – haha you’re thinking GET RID OF SOME – but NO! (not yet!) We needed to buy more books for the 8 year old in our lives! Sarah’s son, Scott, needed books!
Scott is not one of those readers who devours book after book. It’s tough finding subjects that will interest a child to read right to the last page. Not quite the age for YA books, and too old for Peppa Pig, the hunt was on.
We discovered that today, graphic novels are the way to go. Lots of illustrations and fast paced storylines will keep these kids entertained and glued to the page. I’m not sure why I didn’t need this kind of book when I was a kid. I suppose the generations have changed, the world has changed, attention spans have changed, interests have changed. I don’t know – that’s a job for a psychologist! I was happy with one Nancy Drew after another.
So Captain Underpants (Dav Pilkey) and Shredderman – Secret Identity (Wendelyn Van Draanen) win a spot on the bookshelf. But what to do with Peppa Pig?
We needed a Little Library of our own. You know, those pretty handmade pine boxes with the little plexiglas door you see around your neighbourhood? NO? Kitchener Waterloo is practically famous for them! Sarah bought a kit, Scott, drill in hand, assembled it (even the plexiglass door!), and I will be painting it. It will be installed out on our boulevard, at the sidewalk, so people can pass it on their walks.
Take a book, leave a book! That’s the Little Libraries motto. Maybe we’ll get more people walking by – our library is the only one for blocks (so far) – and there’s an irresistible urge to peek in when come across one.
The best part about the Little Library was that 8 year old Scott put it together and is excited to start using it. He even reread Peppa Pig aloud before gently placing it inside, for another to claim it and read it too.
So if you happen to be walking by our house and see our Little Library, take a minute to browse our books. Take a book, leave a book…..preferrably more Captain Underpants!
