'Little Free Library' Book Exchange Box Coming To Whitestone

WHITESTONE, QUEENS -- As Jonathan Salazar sat down to enjoy a warm summer day at Francis Lewis Park, he thought of one thing that would make the scenic space even better: A good book, or several.

"There were so many families and kids running around," Salazar said. "I just had an instant vision that this would be a great environment to read a book in."

That vision inspired the Whitestone man to spearhead a project to build the waterfront park its own "Little Free Library," which would offer free books to those in need of a good read. The wooden house-shaped box on a post would act as a community book exchange program, which locals are free to donate and take books from as they please.

Salazar's box will join more than 75,000 built around the world as part of The Little Free Library project, which began in 2009 when founder Todd Bol built the first one to honor his mother outside his home in Wisconsin, according to the nonprofit's website.

The idea resonated in Whitestone, where Salazar said hundreds of locals responded with interest when he inquired on social media about whether to build the mini-library.

After clearing it with the New York City Parks Department and other community groups, Salazar launched a fundraiser in September to raise the $1,000 needed to build the mini library. Two weeks later, he said he's closing on on his goal with roughly $800 raised.

"The great thing about Queens and Whitestone is I constantly have people reaching out and letting me know they’re willing to help," Salazar said.

If all goes well, he hopes to have the book-swap stand up and running by the end of October. Once it is, it will be his job to monitor the box for vandalism and make sure the books inside are appropriate.

"It's primarily for children and young adults, so at the end of the day (the books) have to be appropriate for children," Salazar said.

If locals see something they don't like, a hotline number will be posted outside the box for them to call, he said. Also on the outside of the box will a plaque with names of each person and business who donated to its launch.

"I want everyone to remember that this was a community effort," he said.

Though the box has not yet been built, Salazar is already envisioning its grand opening. He wants it to be a community affair, with locals gathering to put the inaugural books inside.

"I want this to be something that will give people a chance to be creative," Salazar said.

"It’s simple, it’s cost effective and it’s something that could make a big difference in the community."

Lead image: Rendering of the Whitestone Free Little Library of Jonathan Salazar