A Big Impact from a Little Library: Middle Schoolers Launch Community Book Exchange

In a heartwarming display of collaboration, creativity, and community engagement, a Middle School Skills Incubator class at KO has brought a Little Free Library to life—transforming a repurposed neighborhood fixture into a community treasure. The official launch of the Little Library will be on Thursday, May 22.

The Skills Incubator Little Libraries project began with a walk through the surrounding neighborhood, where students observed various Little Libraries. One serendipitous discovery—a worn and weathered library (which happened to be KO colors of red and black!) owned by a neighbor of faculty member Kelly Anstead—provided the perfect starting point. “It kind of landed here like the Wizard of Oz,” said Tricia Crowley, one of the co-teachers of the Skills Incubator. Though the original structure was damaged, the Buildings and Grounds enthusiastically repaired it and began planning to make it official.

And official it is: the KO Little Library is now registered with the global Little Free Library network, complete with its own location pin and a dedicated email address to make stewardship a shared responsibility.

The library now … 

1. lives on Outlook Ave at the end of the driveway at the Head of School Dillow’s House.

2. has its own email address: [email protected]

3. has a charter registration (and plaque!) with Little Free Library Association. 

4. can be searched on the Little Free Library desktop or Mobile App (it’s officially been mapped!)

The students presented the concept to Head of School Tom Dillow, who gave it the green light. With his approval and support from staff across campus, students took on all aspects of the project—from refurbishing the structure and selecting books to designing flyers and QR codes linking to the Little Free Library community page. The library now stands as a symbol of student initiative and community connection.

Books for the initial collection came courtesy of Ms. Solomon, the school librarian, who donated extras from the school library. Students emphasized thoughtful curation: “Don’t just grab a random book from your shelf,” one student explained. “Pick something meaningful—something you’d recommend.” The selection includes titles for all ages, with a focus on middle and high school readers.

The students also laminated copies of the school’s summer reading books so others could borrow them without needing to purchase their own. “It’s a great way to share and recycle,” one student noted. We’re repurposing books that still have life in them.”

The class will create a flyer for the surrounding community, inviting neighbors to participate in the exchange. “It’s not just for KO,” one student shared. “It’s outward-facing—anyone in the neighborhood can enjoy it.” Other external communications include a social media push and a press release.

The takeaway for many students wasn’t just about literacy or project management, but about learning to collaborate, connect, and give back. “It brought the community closer together,” one student reflected. “And we got to interact with teachers and staff we usually don’t see.”

With thank-you notes in hand and a ribbon-cutting in the works, the students are proud of what they’ve built—proof that even a little library can be a big symbol of learning, leadership, and love of reading.