What would you do if you were a librarian with a 110-year-old tree stump in front of your house? For Sharalee Armitage Howard, who works at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library in Idaho, the answer was simple: turn it into a library!
When the old cottonwood tree began to decay and had to be cut down for safety reasons, Sharalee felt a pang of sadness. But then she decided to make something extraordinary out of it for her community. Now, her Little Free Library allows nearby residents to take or leave a book as they please.
As a former bookbinder, Sharalee paid attention to every detail while crafting her stunning wooden library. The library features stone steps, a glass door, and warm lighting both inside and out, creating a welcoming atmosphere. A small roof at the top protects the stump from the elements.
Look closely, and you’ll notice that the jagged carvings above the door are actually miniature books referencing classics like Call of the Wild and The Grapes of Wrath.
Even if you can’t visit Coeur d’Alene, chances are you’ll find a Little Free Library near you. The project has grown into a nonprofit organization that fosters a love of reading and community by encouraging book exchanges worldwide. Today, there are over 150,000 registered Little Free Libraries in more than 100 countries, sharing over 70 million books annually.
Each Little Free Library is unique, as you can see on the organization’s Instagram. You can also find the nearest library using their map, and if you’re inspired to create your own, they offer tips on how to build one.
Since its transformation, this tree stump library has become a popular tourist attraction and a viral sensation on social media. It’s a reminder of the human spirit and the enduring value of all things, big and small.