Acts of Kindness
Woman Makes Free Library From Stump Of 100-Year-Old Tree
This little library is absolutely darling and sure to inspire passersby to read.
D.G. Sciortino
01.12.19

Books are a magical thing. They can transport you through time and space, introduce you to new friends and people you’d never meet otherwise, and fill your heart and imagination with inexplicable passion and wonder.

It’s some pretty cool stuff.

That’s why libraries are ultra magical. But there’s one library that is the most magical library that we’ve ever seen.

Sharalee Armitage Howard
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Sharalee Armitage Howard

This one is located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and was created by librarian, artist, and former bookbinder Sharalee Armitage Howard out of a tree stump.

Howard was inspired by the Little Free Library nonprofit organization.

They’ve built more than 75,000 tiny free libraries in 88 countries in the hopes of “inspiring a love of reading, building community, and sparking creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world.”

Sharalee Armitage Howard
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Sharalee Armitage Howard

Unlike the little wooden boxes you typically see used for Little Free Libraries, Howard’s Little Free Library is quite unique.

It’s built into the stump of a 110-year-old cottonwood tree.

The giant tree stump was carved out from the inside. Shelves and lighting were installed inside and it was topped off with a roof and exterior light.

Sharalee Armitage Howard
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Sharalee Armitage Howard

The door’s trim features little books with famous titles like “Call of the Wild” and “Nancy Drew.”

Howard posted photos of her Little Free Library on Facebook.

That post went viral and was shared more than 100,000 times.

Sharalee Armitage Howard
Source:
Sharalee Armitage Howard

“Ok, this project isn’t quite finished… but I can’t wait to share it. We had to remove a huge tree that was over 110 years old, so I decided to turn it into a little free library (which I’ve always wanted). Here it is (minus some cleanup, vegetation, and trim work)!” Howard wrote on Facebook.

Facebook Screenshot
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Facebook Screenshot

And people went absolutely nuts over it on the internet

“That’s one of the most adorable things I’ve ever seen!” said one person on Facebook

“Great example of form following function in such a beautiful and creative way! Very Inspiring – be proud of yourself!” said another.

Facebook Screenshot
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Facebook Screenshot

Her work has also inspired others to create their own Little Free Libraries.

“I just love this and want one. I have a tree that needs cutting down. I wonder if I could get the tree men to cut it into a little house for me!” said one woman.

Facebook Screenshot
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Facebook Screenshot

Howard said she was overwhelmed by all the positive feedback she recieved regarding her tree.

“Thanks so much for all of the wonderful feedback about our little free library! It’s awesome to know that there are so many people out there that appreciate how art (in any form) quite simply, makes the world a cooler place to live in,” she said.

Learn more about Howard’s project below.

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