Community Spirit Shines as Little Free Library Arrives in Mahomet

By Alex Winton

A new addition has graced the neighborhood of Ridge Creek in Mahomet, Illinois, and it’s already making waves. Jenna and Andrew Schwenker, residents with a passion for reading, recently installed a Little Free Library at their home at 1321 Sweet Grass Dr. This modest book-sharing initiative is gaining attention for its potential to foster a love of reading within the community.

The idea behind this Little Free Library originated from the Schwenkers time in Chicago, where they regularly interacted with similar libraries in their daily routines. Jenna shared, “We would frequently drop off books there, see what they had available.” When they moved to Mahomet, they noticed a gap – there were no officially mapped Little Free Libraries in the area. Armed with their love for books and a desire to give back to the community, the Schwenkers decided to establish their own.

The process of bringing their vision to life wasn’t without its challenges. They wanted their Little Free Library to blend harmoniously with their home, complying with their homeowner’s association regulations. Jenna mentioned, “We decided that we wanted it to look like our house,” and after diligent research, they collaborated with “Little Library Builder” from Spokane, Washington, who crafted a library that resembled their house.

The library itself is a treasure trove of reading materials for all ages. Jenna, who is a Speech-Language Pathologist, has a particular focus on collecting children’s books. She aims to provide a diverse selection to cater to various interests. Jenna noted, “I hope it’s just to increase the love of reading and share that with the community.”

The Schwenkers hope their Little Free Library will encourage reading within the community by providing easy access to books, especially during times when the local library may not be open. Jenna shared, “I hope it gets more books into hands.” It’s an initiative designed to cultivate a shared love of reading among residents.

Since its installation, the library has received positive feedback and engagement from the local community. Jenna noted, “We posted about it in our neighborhood’s Facebook page. There are a lot of positive reactions and people planning to stop by and bring books and take books.”

Looking ahead, the Schwenkers plan to introduce seasonal surprises, such as Halloween and holiday-themed books, to keep the library’s collection fresh and engaging.

In terms of contributions, the Schwenkers welcome residents to donate books to the library. Books can be left inside the library itself or on their porch for larger donations. They also encourage visitors to leave notes inside books, sharing their thoughts and book recommendations.

For those interested in staying informed about book availability and updates related to the Little Free Library, the Schwenkers recommend a simple visit to their house. Jenna mentioned, “So the best thing to do is just stop by the library. It is the only officially mapped one on the Little Free Library website.”

In an exciting development, Jenna recently created an Instagram account for the library, which can be found at @RavendorLibrary. This move allows for broader community engagement and easier updates on book availability and special events.

Jenna’s work as a Speech-Language Pathologist aligns with her mission to nurture a love of reading in children. She recognizes the significant impact reading has on academic success and includes books in her lessons to foster that passion. Jenna expressed, “Kids who read are often more successful academically.”

The Schwenkers’ Little Free Library is more than just a repository of books; it’s a symbol of community spirit and a shared love of reading. As it continues to evolve and grow, this unassuming addition to Mahomet promises to enrich the lives of all who visit, opening the door to imagination and wonder through the world of literature.