Yesterday, several parents and their children stopped by Mama's Hip in the Highlands for their Paint a Little Library event. The event was scheduled by store owner Shannon Porter and was open to families to come by and paint portions of the little free library box and post that will be set up outside on the property of Mama's Hip. Porter welcomed anyone to this free event to celebrate "our love of reading and all of the Little Libraries popping up all over the city which make books accessible to everyone!"
Shannon Porter was first contacted by team members for the Little Free Library project in conjunction with Metro United Way here in Louisville. They provided an unpainted library and post for her to work with other mamas and their children in the community to make it their own and create an artistic expression for the little library. The little library was part of the 40210 Early Education project spearheaded by Metro United Way. The library was built with in-kind labor by volunteers who work for a West Louisville based company called Diversified Designs. Originally, Metro United Way commissioned 40 little free libraries for West Louisville and this 40210 project. They had some extras that were commissioned through Metro United Way's own resources and those little libraries are finding their way throughout the city.
Mama's Hip was graciously gifted one to use in the community, and being that Mama's Hip is so central to community and partnerships with so many, engaging in many ways with parents and caregivers around Louisville, this seems like a perfect fit for the parenting community center which sits in the heart of the Highlands on Bardstown Road. It's a great connection to a much larger and bigger picture that Metro United Way focuses on, which is early education and bringing projects like this to life.
Mama's Hip organized a painting party on Thursday, and several little ones and their parents stopped by to take part. Many mamas and other parents are collecting books to store in the little library, an effort that is ongoing. A book collection has been started to keep this little library stocked, as well as the 30 libraries that are already in the ground in 40210. Metro United Way always needs books to restock the libraries. Anyone who wishes to contribute to donating books, including children's books, young adult and adult novels, can drop off books to Mama's Hip during normal business hours. There will most likely be a gathering when the little library is put in its permanent place on the grounds of Mama's Hip; stay tuned to their Facebook page as well as their community forum website for more details.
Louisville.com previously featured a story about Little Libraries in Louisville.
Mama's Hip is located at 1559 Bardstown Road.
502-384-8805
Store Hours:
Monday-Thursday
10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Friday-Saturday
10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Photos courtesy of Shannon Porter, Mama's Hip
