Local woodworkers to build 100 ‘Little Free Libraries’

Much like the good old fashioned sentiment of borrowing a cup of sugar from the family next door, a Little Free Library™ is a decorative, custom-made wooden box that’s installed where neighbors or community members share used books with one another. The presence of a Little Free Library™ often establishes a sense of community and promotes literacy. While area residents will find about 30 Little Free Libraries™ around the metropolitan Phoenix area, local retailer Woodworkers Source is teaming up with early childhood nonprofit Southwest Human Development in a campaign to add 100 more by March 5.

So who’s going to build them? Makers, artists, furniture builders, do-it-yourselfers, and other folks hooked on the joy of building projects by hand are answering the call. By entering a woodworking contest hosted by Woodworkers Source, a local, family-owned retailer of woodworking tools and hardwood lumber, contest entrants design, build and decorate a custom Little Free Library™ as creatively as they can, then enter the project on March 5 for a chance to win prizes.

“You don’t need much to make one of these Libraries,” says Mark Stephens, vice president of Woodworkers Source. “The magic ingredient isn’t skill or a garage full of tools. It’s heart. When people drive down your street and see a Little Free Library™ they’ll feel that Arizona is a great place to live with friendly neighborhoods. I want to see 100 more of these libraries go up around Phoenix.”

During a public show of all the entries from March 7 through 12 at Woodworkers Source’s Phoenix location, 18115 N. Black Canyon Highway, visitors are encouraged to view the projects and cast a vote for their favorites. Voting is open to the public which will decide the top 10 winners who will be awarded prizes in the form of woodworking tools.

The Little Free Libraries™ will be donated to Southwest Human Development who will oversee the placement in neighborhoods around the Valley.

Contest details: www.woodworkerssource.com/contest

 Contact:
Mark Stephens, Vice President, Woodworkers Source
[email protected]
(480) 344-1020 ext. 110