Inspired by the ‘’Take a book, leave a book’’ movement and with the objective of promoting literacy and the love of
reading, the Beaconsfield Library and Culture
staff planned to install little free libraries
in some local parks. The concept of the little library is for community members to
take, return and/or leave a book for others to enjoy. With thousands of
little free libraries popping up around the world, the staff wanted to develop
a concept unique to Beaconsfield but that shared the same theme of exchanging
good books and bringing people together.
It was decided to highlight Beaconsfield’s
rich heritage by paying tribute to John H. Menzies. According to the
Beaconsfield-Beaurepaire Historical Society ² Menzies
could be considered the first man to invest in a commercial
venture in Beaconsfield. In 1877, he grew a vineyard and built cottages to
create a summer resort. The name Beaconsfield was first used in 1876
by John Henry
Menzies as the name of his vineyard (farm
31), in honour of his friend the renowned politician and novelist, Benjamin
Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield and
Prime Minister of England (1874-1880).² Thus was born the idea of modeling the little library
after the original Menzies cottages built in 1877 on Lakeshore Road and
commonly referred to as the Six sisters.
A call was made to the community for a woodworker interested in reproducing a miniature Menzies Cottage based on the plans we had in mind. Finally, an artisan was commissioned to build one and the
design was adapted to meet the specific needs. Beaconsfield artist Bev Wight
volunteered her time and creativity and brought the house to life by carefully
adding colour, dimension and perspective to make it as authentic as possible.
Community involvement is a key
factor in the success of such little libraries as we share skills, creativity
and wisdom across generations. Coincidentally, while construction of the first
house was underway, Mrs Carole Thériault, of
the Beacon Hill Community Association, approached the City suggesting that
Beaconsfield join the Little Library Movement. With the support of the Beacon Hill Community
Association, the first little library was installed in Beacon Hill Park and the
Association became the first organized group responsible for weekly
monitoring to make sure it is maintained and well stocked. Despite construction
delays, just like for real houses, the City’s public works department managed
to install the first little library in time for the Beacon Hill Community Corn
Roast held on September 11. Library staff were on hand to officially launch this
new service, to talk
about this initiative and the many programs offered at the library.
The Beaconsfield little
library is the result of community involvement and excellent team work and we
are very happy that the Beacon Hill residents appreciate their little library.
A second little library is in production and we hope
to produce more with the help of volunteers. So we invite any skilled wood
workers interested in volunteering to contact us and help build literacy
throughout the community.
