Ava Owens, a 9th grade student at Southland, recently created a Free Little Library that sits in Joyce Myer Park. Southland requires that students do community service hours, and Owens told how she wanted to use them for a project she found meaningful.

Owens gave the inspiration for her project. “I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love books and reading. My daddy has always had his own library of classic books, so I have grown up seeing him read. I started my own little library in my room and getting books for gifts has always been a tradition in my family. As I have gotten older, I realize just how important reading is.”

She told how she was inspired to share her love of reading with others. “Since I got hooked on books when I was young, I think that it is important to expose children to books and reading so that they can do well in school too.”

Owens talked about making the library. “I actually purchased a little library box and pole that was sturdy and would last with money I made from selling some of my artwork. I’ve been painting for a while, but just recently began to sell some of my work. My daddy and I assembled the box, and I painted it. I started my project idea in June, presented it to the City Council in July, got approval in September and finally got it installed at the beginning of October.”

Owens shared the challenges involved in bringing the Free Little Library to Joyce Myer Park. “The first challenge I faced getting my Free Little Library setup was getting approval from the Americus City Council. I learned there is a process that takes a little time. You can’t just go out and install anything in a City owned park without approval of the City. Also, standing in front of the City Council at one of their July meetings to present my project idea was nerve racking.”

Owens credited those who had helped her along the way. “My parents, Daniel and Amy Owens, my Nana, Rhonda McDuffie and my Mema, Shirley Rhodes have been a big help with making sure I had everything I needed to complete the project and to sustain the project. Ms. Sierra Harvey, Americus City Hall Clerk was a huge help coordinating a time for me to speak to the Americus City Council members to get their permission.”

Owens also thanked the Council members for their approval and for recommending a spot to put the Free Little Library. “Mr. George Allen, Supervisor of Americus City Works and some of the maintenance guys were also a big help when it came down to locating the best spot at Joyce Myers Park. They came out and dug the hole and filled it with concrete to make sure the box would hold up well.”

Owens talked about the most rewarding part of building the library. “Seeing the kids take the books home has been the most rewarding! A couple of kids were there the day we installed it so they got to be the first customers. One of the rules of the Free Little Library is to take a book and bring a book back.”

Owens told how one of the challenges she faced with the library had turned into a reward. “Another challenge of my Free Little Library during the first few weeks was that books were flying out but not being brought back. At first it was frustrating, but then I realized that I was helping put books into homes that may be lacking. That has turned into the best feeling.”

Owens told how donations help keep the library stocked. “To keep Ava’s Free Little Library stocked up, my parents have helped me reach out on social media to get book donations from friends, they take me to thrift stores to buy used books and we plan on going to a couple of large book consignment sales. Earnings from selling my art can help with the cost of books too, but my greatest challenge with that is time.” She told how 9th grade studies kept her busy, but so far she has been able to check on the library every week.