Middleton resident Christine McCarthy launched a Little Free Library in her neighborhood to give families, especially children, easy access to books. What began as a single shelf quickly grew into a network of four libraries holding hundreds of titles.
Community support fuels growth
Neighbors embraced the project, stopping by to borrow books, drop off donations, and greet McCarthy as the “library lady.” “I have had mothers knock on my window, drop books off, stop me in the street – that’s priceless,” she said.
Challenges with the homeowners association
Earlier this year the homeowners association raised objections, not to the books themselves but to the appearance of the library on McCarthy’s front porch. After discussions stalled, she moved the shelves to a more visible spot on her property.
Leaving Idaho, but not the legacy
Now preparing to relocate to Washington, McCarthy decided not to take the libraries with her. “It was meant for here. It’s my legacy,” she explained, emphasizing her desire for the project to continue serving the community where it began.
Middleton School District steps in
The Middleton School District agreed to adopt the libraries, planning to place them at Middleton Community School. The school already provides families with free resources such as food and clothing; the libraries will add another avenue for students and parents to access reading material.
“I bought them for all the kids to read, and I want them to be read. If one kid loves dragons as much as my son, I win,” McCarthy said.
Extending generosity beyond the original sites
When a nearby Little Free Library was emptied, a neighbor posted about it on Facebook. McCarthy responded by supplying a box of books to help restock the empty shelves, demonstrating her commitment to the broader neighborhood effort.
Upcoming relocation
The move to Middleton Community School is slated to begin next week. The libraries will be temporarily unavailable while they are transferred, with details on their reopening to follow.
McCarthy reflected on the personal joy the project has brought her, adding, “I realized that my library was my joy, and I’m going to leave my joy here and go find joy somewhere else.” Her hope is that the joy of reading continues to thrive in Middleton long after her departure.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
