Little Free Library Opens at Sunny Hill Elementary

Robin Ross-Henning was restocking the new Sunny Hill Little Free Library one day last week with children’s books when she saw a mom and little girl sitting nearby in the school’s reading garden.

“The mom was reading one of our books,” said Ross-Henning, who cofounded the Little Free Library. “I was thrilled.”

Ross-Henning cofounded the library with Annmarie Crowley became interested in building the library after volunteering at the school.

“There is such a wonderful, diverse community of readers at Sunny Hill. This is a fun way to support their enthusiasm for literature and ensure that every child has access to good books,” Ross-Henning said.

Students will be introduced to the new Sunny Hill Elementary Little Free Library on Thursday, October 3 at the school, 2500 Helm Road, Carpentersville.

The library will give young readers 24-hour, year-round access to children’s literature and provide a space for eager readers to share their favorites.

Located outside in the school’s reading garden at 2500 Helm Road, Carpentersville, the library is a wooden box filled with free children’s books. DePaul University Art student Reed Henning volunteered to paint the library with his own colorful design. 

A sign on its post invites passersby to, “Take a Book, Return a Book.”   Students may borrow a book and return it, or keep it and bring back another one for someone else to appreciate.

Little Free Library encourages love of reading

When Ross-Henning and Crowley volunteered at the school, they began realizing children did not have books at home because their families could not afford any.

“We hope to encourage a love of reading and also a sense of community as the children share books they enjoy,” Ross-Henning said.

Sunny Hill’s Little Free Library has received a lot of support from Ross-Henning’s and Crowley’s neighbors, friends and book clubs. Half Price Books in Palatine has also donated books.

The library will need donations year round. Anyone interested in donating can contact Ross-Henning at robinr226@gmail.com.

Barrington Community Unit School District 220 has also been supportive.

“If you go to Sunny Hill, the spirit there is incredible,” Ross-Henning said. “The staff there is the most dedicated, enthusiastic group of people I’ve ever seen. It’s just really inspiring to see how much these teachers and administrators love these kids and see how many kids truly want to learn.”