Beaconsfield launches its first little free library

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.

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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.