Little Free Library connects seniors with neighbors, inspires reading

The Little Free Library perched on the lawn of a Golden Valley senior living community hadn’t been open for business for more than a few days before a young couple and little girl stopped by to select a children’s book. Word spread, and those living at Covenant Village of Golden Valley, a faith-based, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community, were delighted – especially residents Emery Erickson and Dick Davideit.

“When we decided to build the library, we thought, ‘Let’s do this for the neighborhood. Let’s give our senior community a way to connect with our young neighbors and inspire a love for reading,’” explained Erickson.

“I think it’s doing that,” added Davideit. “We’re proud of the library and pleased to see that it’s in use already.”

Erickson initiated the Little Free Library project after seeing “take a book, leave a book” gathering places in nearby neighborhoods. He located design plans, and he and Davideit built the library in the community’s workshop over a period of several weeks.

On Sept. 27, the City of Golden Valley Mayor Shep Harris and Golden Valley City Council Member Joanie Clausen joined about 75 Covenant Village residents and staff for a Little Free Library dedication ceremony. The dedication took place during Active Aging Week, Sept. 25-Oct. 1, 2016, an international event led by the International Council on Active Aging to celebrate aging and active living by engaging older adults in wellness activities.

“Dedicating our Little Free Library during Active Aging Week was intentional,” said Robyn Baumgarten, resident life director at Covenant Village of Golden Valley. “We wanted to highlight the work of seniors and the impact they have within our community. Dick and Emery built this library to reach into the community and across the generations. Through their efforts, we now have a gathering place for the entire community to enjoy. And we’re inspiring readers of all ages.”

Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote a sense of community, reading for children, literacy for adults and libraries around the world. According to LittleFreeLibrary.org, there are more than 1,000 registered Little Free Libraries in the state of Minnesota. Globally, there are more than 40,000.

The public is welcome to stop by the Little Free Library at Covenant Village of Golden Valley, located at 5800 St. Croix Ave. N., Golden Valley. For more information, call (877) 804-7017 or visit www.CovenantVillageofGoldenValley.org. To learn more about Little Free Libraries, visit www.littlefreelibrary.org

The professional-grade workshop at Covenant Village of Golden Valley is home to more than 30 professional and novice woodworkers who build, tinker and do repair work for residents. The shop is equipped with handheld tools, table saws, miter saws, various sized lathes, drill presses, milling machine, a paint shop, and miscellaneous supplies. It is also equipped with a state-of-the-art ducting system for easy dust clean-up. Workshop members each have their own tool drawers.

About Covenant Village of Golden Valley

Covenant Village of Golden Valley, a faith-based, not-for-profit, continuing care retirement community administered by Covenant Retirement Communities, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit senior services providers. Covenant Retirement Communities serves 5,000 residents at 15 retirement communities nationwide and is a ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church. For more information on Covenant Village of Golden Valley, call (877) 804-7017 or visit www.CovenantVillageofGoldenValley.org.