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August 6, 2024
Introducing our ‘Very Little Free Library’ – a new addition to The Path of Life
We’re delighted to announce the arrival of our brand new Little Library, which you can find on the Path of Life. This charming addition to our grounds is a new place where you can borrow a book or share a book, completely free of charge.
The library has been coordinated by Fiona, one of our deputy shop managers, who will also be taking care of it and making sure there are always plenty of books available.
The Little Library was officially opened on Tuesday 6th August and is now available for patients, families and the local community to enjoy. Thanks to Fiona’s efforts our Little Library is a place where anyone visiting the Path of Life can take a book and find a quiet spot to read it, or leave a book for others to use. The handmade library is painted with wildflowers – a perfect fit next to the ‘wildflower meadow’ on the Path of Life.
Fiona shares her story and how the Little Library came about:
“Hi, my name is Fiona and many years ago I came to St Gemma’s to visit my mother when she was poorly. My children were then just 4 and 8 years old and although they thoroughly enjoyed visiting their grandma and playing in the gardens, sometimes they just wanted to relax so we always brought a book with us.
“Since then I’ve often thought how wonderful a ‘little free library’ would be. Now, with the help of my sister Maria, her partner Mike who cleverly built it, Chapel Allerton Residents Association (CARA) who kindly funded the decoration, and Roz from Paint Pot Yorkshire who painted it in such a magical way, it’s a reality!
“Our books are to be taken, swapped, replaced and shared or simply to be read here, in our seating area. However this extra special ‘Very Little Free Library’ here at St Gemma’s has some specific books relating to children’s feelings, emotions and some that discuss loss and grief are in a wooden file. We would kindly ask that these are available for those that need to investigate these emotions. If borrowed, we would appreciate it if they can be returned please, otherwise we’ll need to raise funds to replace them. There is a laminated sheet with recommended books dealing with these big emotions; if you happen to have a copy of any of these and would like to donate them we will be hugely grateful.
“From everyone who made this happen, we all hope you love our ‘Very Little Free Library’ as much as we do.”
A huge thank you to those who made this possible, especially Fiona, Maria, Mike, CARA and Roz. Everyone is welcome to visit; the Path of Life is located to the left-hand side of the main Hospice building and accessed from our main car park.
