Jerry and I volunteer for the Lynchburg Public Library. We are in charge of a Free Little Library downtown. We go to the main library, to a special place in the back, and grab fifty or sixty books to take to the small library. It has been in disrepair with the knobs falling off, the plastic in the doors scratched, paint fading and peeling, and the roof missing asphalt shingles.

Last week Jerry went under it, unscrewed several large screws, and asked a young man who had just parked nearby to help him move it to our truck. It’s heavy! Thanks to his kindness they got it in. We parked in our driveway and the little library is now stationed on a workbench.

It took a week for me to paint it, and for Jerry to repair the roof and doors. We are very pleased with it. It will look like part of nature as it returns to its natural habitat.

The painting proved to be difficult. I’m used to painting on canvas. The wood was uneven, and I couldn’t move it to make a brush stroke easier. The colors for outdoor paint were limited. I had to mix several colors for the background to make it look how I wanted. It took three layers to get it right. The squirrel wasn’t cooperating until, finally, I decided it was good enough. I painted it outside and the breeze dried the paint quickly. But bringing the squirrel, cardinals, and butterfly to life was a joy and I had fun working out in nature.

Jerry and I like to make things beautiful together. We have always enjoyed decorating and fixing up a house and yard. We have a challenge with this big house in Lynchburg, Virginia. The inside looks nice but the outside is still pretty wild. Enough to keep us busy for years to come.

We love serving our community. With our hearts full we look forward to filling the little library each week and enjoying the books we give and take. And, maybe, seeing the smile of a child as they grab a book and say hi to Sammy the squirrel.

Here are before and after pictures of the Little Library.