TORRINGTON – Traveling along on East G Street, a bright yellow box you’re sure to meet, circus animals beg closer looks, beyond the glass door – a world of books!
The Barnum family – Bronc, Shannon, and sons, Triton, age 3, and Atticus, age 1 – was inspired to open a Little Free Library at their home in Torrington in mid-July.
“We read to our kids every night before bed,” Shannon said. “My husband and I read when we have downtime throughout the day. Books are a big part of our life. I wanted to make (a Little Free Library) because I wanted to give my kids the sense of community, giving back, and sharing something we enjoy. Lots of people have left books on our porch. Triton will usually help me bring them in, stamp them and help me put them where they need to go, whether I’m cycling books in and out of the library at that time or not.”
According to Little Free Library’s official website (littlefreelibrary.org), “A Little Free Library is a ‘take a book, return a book’ free book exchange. They come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common version is a small wooden box of books. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share. Little Free Library book exchanges have a unique, personal touch.”
During a trip to Storybook Island in Rapid City, S.D. two years ago, the family spotted a forgotten Little Free Library. The sight sparked an interest in Shannon.
“I pointed it out to my husband as it sat sadly empty and told him it was a neat idea,” she said. “I got on the (Little Free Library) website at the end of June to see some of their mockups, but wasn’t impressed with not just the price tag, but lack of personality. So I drew up a library, and my husband bought everything and built it for me. I had some leftover paint and painted it, and my parents that live north of town had leftover shingles. “I had quite a few books of my own I’ve read and was probably not going to read again, along with quite a few duplicates on the boys’ bookshelves,” Shannon continued. “I ordered about 40 brand new books off bookout.com so I could to stock it with new books for the community, then I started getting emails from other who wanted to donate books.”
The Barnum’s Little Free Library, dubbed “The Barnum Boy’s” on a decal on the door, now features a painted elephant balancing atop a red- and white-striped ball, and a bear with a red, pointed hat riding an old-fashioned “penny-farthing” bicycle. The knob on the door is an open, outstretched hand, and a quote from Jane Austen, as well as the Little Free Library motto “Take a book, leave a book” welcome visitors.
“It’s our sons’ library, although my one-year-old can’t do much right now with it,” Shannon said. “Triton, again, helps stamp and organize, stack and helps me cycle books, and as we go, we talk about how the people in our community donated the books and it’s our job to make sure the rest of the people get to see them and are able to take them.”
Although the library began less than two months ago, Shannon said the community’s response has been “amazing”.
“Better than I think we thought it would be,” she said. “Quite a few people will stop by and exchange books with the library and leave notes in our guest book. The people we purchased our house from mailed us a very sweet card, now taped in the guest book. It’s been great, and I hope it encourages others to start one of their own.”
Shannon was quick to note she isn’t the first Little Free Library in town, as another book exchange can be found on East B Street. Those interested in looking for more Little Free Libraries may visit the organization’s website and search various locations.
The Barnum family also has an Instagram page to provide updates on books and their library: @barnumboyslfl75060.
“I think books, in general, are good for everyone,” Shannon said. “I think these Little Free Libraries open reading up to anyone that doesn’t get the opportunity to catch the public library while it’s open. It gives kids the chance to own books and read in their free time. It’s something fun to do that’s free when you go out of town. It’s a small place filled with adventure – the first page of a book is just the start. I hope this will be the start of something great for our community. I hope it encourages others to start one.”
