Community

Being Neighborly | Heron’s Key residents upgrade Little Free Library and keep it well-stocked

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If you’ve walked or driven along Borgen Boulevard near Shaw Park, you may have noticed the colorful mounted musical instruments and a Little Free Library box at the start of the walking trail.

Shaw Park is near Heron’s Key, and Katie Anagnost, the events and trips leader for the retirement community, said some residents noticed that the Little Free Library showed signs of age, wear and tear.

They tried to find the person who installed that little library, but couldn’t.  The only clue was a note inside that read: “Built by a friend,” Anagnost said.

“Our residents silently took it upon themselves to build an entirely new library, paint it, and put it back in place of the old one,” Anagnost said. 

Fitting with the surroundings

Keeping with the aesthetics of the mounted musical instruments, residents painted the new little library in the same vibrant colors. “Take. Read. Return. Replace,” is painted in pale yellow and outlined in blue. The frame depicts a mix of images reminiscent of an abstract painting in primary colors. 

Residents of Heron’s Key Retirement Community noticed that the original Little Free Library at Shaw Park was in need of replacement. They took it upon themselves to build a new one, paint it, and stock it with books.  Photo courtesy of Katie Anagnost

To list the names of all who worked to bring this new Little Lending Library to the community would be nearly impossible.

“From the initial thinkers and dreamers, to the woodworking and artistic teams who donated their time, materials, and hands to bring this project to life, to the donors who purchased new books to ensure that the library was well-stocked, there were so many participants,” Anagnost said.

A village

Heron’s Key has more than 40 resident-led committees, she said, but this was a grassroots project. 

“Residents saw a need in the community, and they rolled up their sleeves,” Anagnost said. “It’s pretty neat what can be accomplished when thoughtful people come together with positive intention and a shared goal.”

Anagnost said Heron’s Key residents will continue to steward the Shaw Park Little Lending Library.

One resident, Andy Mauro said, “Sure, it took a village, but that’s what Heron’s Key is.”