Submitted by the Pelham Beautification Committee

Little sidewalk libraries are popping up on people’s front yards across Pelham like flowers to enjoy year round.  Joe and Maggie Van Bolderen’s little library, at 17 Fallingbrook Drive, was one of the first to show up in Pelham.  Joe was inspired by a little library that he saw during a trip to Vancouver a few years ago and decided to build one out of scrap wood when he arrived home.

The concept of the little sidewalk library, also known as little free library, is a worldwide phenomenon with over 100,000 registered libraries.  The Van Bolderen’s loved the idea of sharing books in this manner and it was a labour of love that began with the Van Bolderen’s grandkids in mind.

The bottom shelf is usually reserved for children’s books with adult books taking up the top shelf.  Take a book to read and drop off a book to share with other readers.  A little sign is a reminder to wash your hands once you get home, if you did not bring sanitizer with you.

The Pelham Beautification Committee found seven little sidewalk libraries in Pelham.  Those interested in having a little library in their front yard to share books with the community can google little free libraries.  Kits can be purchased.

The Pelham Beautification Committee is an advisory committee to Pelham Council. The Committee seeks to foster civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement. The monthly ‘Thank You’ card program is one of the Committee’s efforts to inspire the Town’s businesses, organizations and residents to exemplify ideals defined in the Beautification Committee’s Terms of Reference, available at www.pelham.ca/beautification.

The Pelham Beautification Committee will name a recipient each month. Individuals are encouraged to submit potential recipient recommendations to the Pelham Beautification Committee at beautification@pelham.ca

For more information, contact: Cynthia Roberts, Vice-Chair, Pelham Beautification Committee, at 289-686-5676.