A fun new addition to the community has brought excitement for local readers

At 6:30 pm on May 10, Jessie Marcer made a post in the Whitecourt Ask Away to see if anyone had spare children’s chapter books. She did not think that her post would quickly become filled with comments. “I was incredibly surprised at how many comments I received. It was really sweet. There were a lot of nice comments and a lot of love.” What was the reason for all the interest? Jessie and her husband Travis built a library box and placed it in their front yard. “It took us a while to build it because we are not pros at building things,” she laughed. “It took us two and a half solid days to put it together. My dad, Bill Shauer, helped us and then my husband and I pretty much finished the rest,” she explained.

The box, which looks like a large birdhouse, is a permanent fixture in their yard as they cemented it in place. “We saw it on a Disney show called Shop Class. It is a competition show where young builders design and build unique creations. It looked really cute.” She said that they wanted to create a spot where people could exchange books, especially while resources, such as the town library, are closed due to COVID-19. “We want everyone to enjoy reading, both kids and adults.”

Their sons, Liam (8) and Addison (6) were involved with building it though they did not stick around for the whole build. “They tried to help us, but they lost interest pretty quick,” she laughed. “But they really enjoy having it, and they check it a million times every day to see if there are new books in there that they want to read.” They have already enjoyed reading some Minecraft books and the Amulet chapter books series.

Marcer said that lots of people have already popped by to check out the library. “People keep coming by and adding and taking books. Lots of little kids have come by, and they always have super big smiles as they rifle through the books.” She said that it is cute to watch them get excited. After her post received a lot of attention, Marcer noted that lots of people generously added children’s books to the collection. “We are so grateful to everyone that has dropped off books. Thank you so much!”

She hopes that the little library set up continues to create smiles and that it becomes something that people look forward to checking as they are out and about. “I hope it can bring someone joy and that they can keep their mind busy by reading because I know I love to read, and it keeps me busy.” With the COVID-19 measures in place, Marcer said that she would be wiping the library down. “We all know the rules now, and we all have to be careful.” She recommends that people use hand sanitizer before and after they touch the books. “That makes it safer for everyone.”

A few days after the Marcer’s free library was put in place, the Whitecourt & District Public Library began providing free reading materials on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. With a small set up in the double doors at the front, staff can keep things sanitized and sealed, which is best for all. The set up began the same day that Stage 1 officially kicked off in the province. Although libraries are not able to fully open until future stages of the provincial reopening, this step will help people access reading material, which can mean a lot to those that are struggling with being socially isolated.

By the sounds of the original post that Jessie put up on Facebook, other Whitecourt residents are now eyeing up the project for their yards too. In this case, the more, the merrier is certainly true! When done safely, the books will be a fun addition to the town. “It definitely is a community thing, so thank you for being part of it,” she said. To check out the Marcer’s free library situated in their front yard, visit 5607 47A Street.