National Honor Society introduces a Little Free Library to campus
Project aims to inspire readers, build community and expand book access to the local public
On the Lookout: Last December, NHS members, (left to right) seniors McKaden Hein, Ian Allenfort, and junior Andrew Winston, senior Franco Vidal, juniors Anthony Craig, Ivan Dimabayao and Elissa Hong pose with Principal Ivelia (center) in front of the school. The group searched the area for prospective locations for the Little Free Library.
Everybody loves a good book, but engaging literature isn’t always easily accessible. In March, members of the National Honor Society plan to ease this problem by bringing a Little Free Library to LSHS.
The library will be a public birdhouse-like box where members of the community can donate and take books. The small repository will be decorated, installed, and maintained by members of the NHS.
The Little Free Library project started at the end of last school year when members of NHS brainstormed ideas for projects they would like to do the next year. The idea was proposed and well-received by everyone. The activity would allow members to work together to strengthen the community and share their favorite pieces of literature.
“[Everything] we’ve done for the little library has been completely from students,” junior and NHS Vice President Elissa Hong said.
The involved members are quite invested in the project and plan to share their favorite books with their peers.
“I thought it would be good to have just a way for people to have access to books,” junior and NHS Treasurer Andrew Winston said.
Last December, members, who signed up to work on the project, scouted the school for possible locations for the library. The group landed on a spot in front of the main building by the flagpole, which is easily accessible to students and the public. Materials were ordered from LittleFreeLibrary.org and are set to arrive by the end of January. Willing members will work hard, paint and set up the library for the school.
“I really liked [the idea] because I like being able to work with my hands…I get to help out using technique and muscle,” senior and NHS Project Committee Leader Lauren Ruble said.
Financed by school-provided funds, the Little Free Library will become one of NHS’s many contributions to the campus atmosphere.
“We’re hoping that Honor Society students to come can be a part of maintaining the library…and the community will appreciate all these books,” NHS Advisor Kelly Guilfoil said.
Similar Little Free Libraries have been set up all throughout Lake Stevens, like those by Centennial Trail, Forest Road, and Grace Lane. Finding these spots is made easy with Little Free Library’s locator website. The installation of another at Lake Stevens High School will only strengthen the community and knit everyone closer together.
