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Little Free Library in Vienna

VIENNA — Saundra McGary Eaton is promoting the importance of reading and literacy through her small library.

She has established a Little Free Library in front of her home at 811 28th St. in Vienna.

The Eaton little library is having a grand opening from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 15. Scheduled are family-friendly activities, crafts, contests, refreshments and, of course, book giveaways.

Local authors have donated their books and famous author Stephen King has indicated he will provide a book for the grand opening, Eaton said.

“Reading and literacy are a catalyst for positive change,” she said.

Saundra’s husband, Robert, and father-in-law, Charles Eaton, built the Little Free Library in August to last. Constructed of wood it stands in a concrete base near the sidewalk.

Saundra keeps the Little Free Library filled with books for all ages and reading preferences, along with a few comic books, pencils and homemade bookmarks. There is a book for visitors to sign and leave comments. She wants to receive feedback from people about the books they like to read.

The small library has a motion-sensitive light that comes on when opened at night to allow visitors to select a book. A hook has been installed on the LFL post for dog walkers to place a leash while they inspect the books.

The motto is: Take a book from these small libraries and give books back to them. The books are gifts and never for sale.

Eaton’s library is part of a worldwide registry of similar libraries. People can go to Little Free Library.org on the Internet to find these sites on a map.

Robert Eaton is looking at placing a bench next to the family’s Little Free Library so people can stop and read a book. He has also built and placed a sign stating “Little Free Library” next to the book stop because some people thought the decorated structure was a fancy mailbox.

Saundra said she appreciates the community’s support in providing books for the small library and helping with the grand opening. People have dropped off bags of books at the Eaton home for the Little Free Library.

“I love to read and want to share books with the community,” she said.

Saundra said she became an avid reader, after high school, when she read a book by author Terry Pratchett. She has read between 60-70 of Pratchett’s books.

In memory of her favorite author, Saundra has placed a plaque on the front of her Little Free Library that states: “In Memory of Sir Terry Pratchett, Author-Dreamer-Weaver of Magic, 1948-2015.”

Saundra is a member of the Friends of the Library at the Vienna Public Library. Brenna Call, Vienna Public Library director, said the library shares Saundra’s goals of stressing the importance of reading and literacy in the community and is excited about her Little Free Library.

The Vienna Public Library donated some children’s books from its revolving book sale collection to the Eaton Little Free Library, Call said.

Saundra said she is fulfilling her dream of helping the community.

“The Little Free Library belongs to the community,” she said.

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