One of our favorite things about publishing Macaroni Kid is the chance to connect with other moms in our community. Often times these connections inspire us and remind us of the ability of one person to make a difference. It is with this in mind that we launch a new article series called Awesome Mama. Our hope is to introduce you to some amazing moms living right in our communities who not only are doing unique and wonderful things but also deserve to have some attention brought to their mission.
My daughters and I are big fans of books; it's not uncommon for us to check out 30 or more books during a visit to one of our favorite King County libraries. When the Little Free Library movement started a few years ago, you can bet I took notice - initially because of the books. However I have come to understand - through stories like the one you're about to read - that Little Free Libraries are about so much more than books.
Shyanne Olsen is on a mission not only to put books in the hands of kids and their parents but also to make a difference in the everyday lives of people living in her community. Please get to know this local mom a little better by reading her answers to our questions.
My mission for Meadowbrook Little Free Library is to get books into the hands of kids especially, but adults too. I hope that by creating a fun place for kids to visit with their families they'll want to return again and again. I try to keep the library stocked with a quality selection of books that I hope will appeal to varying interests. I want those who stop by to have a positive and fun experience with each visit! My hope is that our library will be a bright spot in the community and that you'll leave with a good book and a smile on your face.
What inspired you to start your Little Free Library?
I first heard about Little Free Library last Spring after meeting Eowyn Savela, owner of the James Street Library in Bellingham- a hand-knit sweater clad, kitchen cupboard-turned-LFL, surrounded by gnomes and toadstool seating for her youngest visitors. I was smitten and intrigued. It was a foreign concept, this idea of a book swap by the road, and I wanted to learn more.
One day after school in September I surprised my kids, River and Shasta, with an "After School Adventure!" We were going to find some Little Free Libraries!
The first library we found was in a quiet neighborhood along the shores of Lake Sammamish. Surrounded by hay bales, pumpkins, and a smiling scarecrow it was charming. It contained a nice selection of books and even lollipops! (It just so happens that way back in June 2014, Macaroni Kid shared the story of that exact Little Free Library created by another local mom, Julie Parker!) My kids were so excited to look through and find a new book to read but also to trade a book they had thoughtfully chosen from home to share with another child. I knew after witnessing their willingness and excitement to share with others that this was something special and I needed to have my own Little Free Library!
What part do your children play in your current mission?
My kids are the primary reason why I chose to put up our Little Free Library. I think sometimes kids can feel like, the world is so big, "How can I make a difference, I'm just a kid?" Our library provides a safe place and an easy way for them to share something they love - books - with other kids in our community. They love to check it each day when they get home from school to see if anyone has visited and to see what's new inside! Often we will bring in a new book, read it together and ink it with our custom stamp before returning it for others to enjoy. My daughter loves to choose the trinkets we put into the Trinket Trade bucket and she also likes to help me decorate the windows of the library!
What lessons/values are you learning through this process? What lessons/values do you hope your kids are learning?
The older I get the more I feel that if you put good energy out into the world it will come back to you ten fold, and that having a positive attitude will attract positive things into your life. I was raised to be a good citizen in my community and that even a small gesture can make a big impact in another's life. As proof of this, I must tell you that my neighbors were quick to rally around me offering books, paint, and other supplies while I was building the library, and several came to celebrate our opening! They have been supportive from the beginning. I'm not always quick to ask for help but I got a sense that they wanted to be a part of the project.
We've only had our library up since December, and it's already become a routine stop along the way to school each morning for the sweet 4th grade girl down the block. She wrote a note in our guest book, "I've read 5 of your books and they were great books." I hope as stewards of this little library, my kids are learning that kindness, awareness, and a generous spirit are so much more important than how you look or what others may think of you. Also we talk about how if something makes your heart pound with excitement and you can't stop thinking about it, THAT's what passion is and to follow that. THAT is what will bring you joy in life.
What do you do to take care of yourself and how do you make time to do it?
Each morning after walking the kids to school I come home and sit down next to the fire with my coffee. It's my quiet time and gives me an opportunity to plan my day and finish a thought which can be a challenge sometimes with a 6 and 7 year old vying for my attention. Also I am a passionate thrifter and yard saler, and I sell my vintage home and garden "finds" online and from home. Many Fridays and some Saturdays from April through August I'm out sale-ing. My husband gets quality time with the kids and I get an opportunity to take time for myself and seek treasure! It clears my mind and is very therapeutic for me.
What can we do to support you and Little Free Libraries?
Come by and visit our library, bring a favorite book to share. Maybe write a note telling what you loved about it and include it in your book.Take our shared Community Art Book home with you and create art in it, then return it for all to enjoy! Find our Geocache and Letterbox! Share seeds from your garden during our Spring Seed Swap! Sign our guest book~ we love getting notes! Follow along with our Facebook page so you can keep up with what's happening in our library www.facebook.com/meadowbrooklittlefreelibrary. Tell a friend, or better yet bring a friend!
Little Free Libraries are a fairly new concept. In 2009 Todd Bol put up the first LFL in front of his Hudson, Wisconsin home. It was a model of a 1 Room Schoolhouse he had built as a tribute to his mother, a teacher. Since then more than 36,000 Little Free Libraries have sprung up in communities around our country and in over 70 countries around the world. Visit www.littlefreelibrary.org to learn more. Check out #littlefreelibrary on Instagram. I hope you will be inspired to visit a Little Free Library near you, and maybe even to install one of your own!
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- SUSAN HUSA is on a mission to create a group where mothers are welcomed, informed and inspired in their community.
- RACHEL MARK is on a mission to start the Wildcat Swimming Club to share her love of swimming with others in our area.
- DIANE GOCKEL is on a mission to share her love for animals and tell their stories to kids and their parents.
- WENDY STONE is on a mission to "live life to the fullest" which led her - and two other friends - to launch a local winery called Pearl and Stone Wine Co.
- HEATHER MATTHEWS is on a mission to make a difference in her community by raising money and awareness for the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank.
- KAYSEE HYATT is on a mission to build community awareness for pediatric stroke and hope for impacted children and families.
- JULIE PARKER is on a mission to complete a marathon in every state by the time she turns 50 years old. 50 by 50.
- JAMIE MENOLD is on a mission to raise awareness of and funds for pediatric cancer research.
- KRISTEN BRANTNER is on a mission to make a difference in the future of rare disease and created a local non-profit called RAREevents.
- CHRISTIE MALCHOW is on a mission to make sure the city hears the voices of young families and is running for Sammamish City Council.
