An old Ponoka News box has been given a new lease on life, thanks to the efforts of members of Ponoka’s Parks Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee.
The box has been given a fresh coat of paint and re-purposed into a “Little Free Library,” now located in the Ponoka arena complex’s lobby underneath the main office glass window next to the concession.
The mini-library arrived at its new home on Feb. 18, and encourages people to take a book, read it and bring it back, or leave a book in its place. There is already a small collection of books and magazines.
The project was a smaller initiative of the committee, which strives to enhance culture, and in this case, literacy.
“Literacy is important, and it is these subtle influences that add a greater feeling of community and connection,” said committee member Jessica Jones.
The idea came about in a committee meeting that was discussing how the group could establish some more culture and things to do at the arena, says Jones.
As the arena is a high-traffic area, which parents and families, it was an ideal location.
“This is a good way to say we have something more to offer,” she said, adding that although the Little Library wasn’t exactly a need, it was something that could be done at low cost.
“While it was a smaller project, it is through these initiatives, and others, that create a greater vibrancy of community involvement … it was a great idea, and initiatives like this enhance our community.”
The project was made possible by committee members Carna Phalempin, who was the artist behind the direction of the little library, Jones, Ponoka News and Melissa Burke, who painted the side of the little library, and Haley Brochu who donated the stencilled wording.