St. John’s Episcopal Church
207 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401

St. John’s Little Free Library

“Happiness is a Little Free Library.” – Deacon Sue Bonsteel

Early in 2019 a suggestion was made to create a Little Free Library for the local community and ask the Pageturners (St. John’s book group) to sponsor it. There was a great deal of enthusiasm, money was raised for materials, and gently used books were donated by the parish to stock the shelves. With the help of a talented parishioner, a delightful wooden library now stands on the front lawn of St. John’s, beckoning passersby to stop and take a book. A bench nearby offers a quiet and shady place to sit and rest. And we are officially registered with www.LittleFreeLibrary.org, a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to inspire a love of reading and build community and encourage creativity.

The Little Free Library website states that nearly 61% of low-income families do not have any age-appropriate books for their kids at home.

It is heartening to know that our new Little Free Library now offers age and interest appropriate books at no cost to our young and older neighbors of any means. Due to the generosity of the parish, it is a joy to see many of our neighbors “take a book and share a book”.

Look what can happen! What began over two decades ago as the parish book group has evolved into an exceptional community-building ministry of both the Welcoming and Outreach committees. Come, grab a book, and sit a while. All are welcome!