Dear Diary: How this retired teacher is connecting with her community one book at a time

CBCCalgarywants to knowhow you are living these days. What are you doing differently? What makes you laugh? Cry? Scream? Have you started a new hobby? Let us know.

In this instalment of our series, Dear Diary: In a Time of COVID-19, Myrna Eichorn tells us how a small construction project is connecting her community.This submission has been edited for clarity and length.

Dear Diary,

It all started on a spring day in February when I asked my husband to pick up some free wooden pallets that we could re-purpose. Although I have always thought it would be a great idea to have a free little library in my front yard, it was not on my mind at this time.

And then COVID-19 descended upon us with everyone needing to isolate.

Funny. It turns out many, many people in my neighborhood had been isolating themselves from the pathway along the river and playground until now. All of a sudden, there are hundreds of new pathway users and children ... and there are children of all ages in my neighborhood!

As a retired teacher, I was immediately compelled to build a free little library for the neighborhood imps.

My goal: encourage them to go outside again and, of course, read more!

After researching "how to build a little library", I developed an original plan of my own. With my husband alongside me, it took us a week to build the waterproof library. I learned that the jigsaw is an amazing tool.

It has been three days since the little library has been installed and there have been patrons of all ages visiting it. It was especially heartwarming to observe two little neighbours from down the street ride over on their scooters looking for a little adventure.

And me, well, I'm smiling.

For others who are looking for activities to fill their time, I highly recommend building a free little library or little pantry to enhance your community!

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