In the photo from left to right: Chantal Lortie, project leader and Liann Nutini, School Principal with the free little library.
Neighborhood Small Grant Project Report: Free Little Library for Glenmerry Elementary
In 2025, I had the privilege of leading a community project funded through Neighborhood Small Grants (NSG) and the Association of Neighbourhood Houses BC. The purpose of this initiative was to purchase and install a Free Little Library at Glenmerry Elementary School in Trail, BC. This project was inspired by the desire to promote literacy and create a shared resource that benefits not only the students but also families within the Glenmerry community.
The timing of this project was unique. Glenmerry Elementary underwent a major transformation this year—the old school was demolished June 2025, and the new building officially opened its doors in September 2025. With the school grounds still under construction, we saw an opportunity to contribute something meaningful that would enhance the new space and foster a sense of community engagement.
The Glenmerry Elementary School Free Little Library focuses on children’s literature. Stocking it with books for young readers ensures that it will serve as an accessible resource for students and families alike. By encouraging book sharing and reading outside the classroom, this initiative supports lifelong learning and strengthens community connections.
Although the little library has been built and gifted to the school, installation will take place in Spring 2026 once the outdoor construction is complete. This timeline allows us to ensure the library is placed in a safe and welcoming location on the school grounds. In the meantime, we are working with the school’s administrators to plan its launch and organize book donations to keep the little library well-stocked from the start.
This project reflects the principles and goals of the Neighborhood Small Grants program:
- Small is Powerful: A modest grant created a lasting impact by providing a resource that will benefit hundreds of children and families for years to come. It demonstrates how small investments can spark meaningful change and strengthen community bonds.
- We Learn Together: Leading this project was a learning experience. There is no single right way to build community, and this initiative gave us opportunities to collaborate, share ideas, and adapt to challenges—such as coordinating around construction timelines. Through these interactions, we gained valuable insights into community engagement and resource sharing.
- Building Community Strength and Resilience: The Free Little Library encourages families to connect through shared reading and fosters a sense of belonging. It strengthens the community by creating a space where resources are freely exchanged and relationships are built.
- Fostering Creativity and Wellbeing: By promoting literacy and imagination through access to books, the project nurtures creativity in children and supports overall wellbeing for families who value learning and storytelling.
- Tackling Social Isolation: The library will serve as a gathering point for families and neighbors, encouraging interaction and reducing isolation by creating opportunities for casual connections and shared experiences.
Ultimately, this Free Little Library will be more than a box of books—it will be a symbol of collaboration and a resource that brings joy and learning to children and families for years to come. I am grateful for the Neighborhood Small Grant program, which made this project possible, and I look forward to seeing the library become a vibrant part of Glenmerry Elementary’s new chapter.
