Last Wednesday, the community celebrated the first anniversary of the Accessible Little Library (ALL). Can you believe it’s already been a year? Time flies!
The library began as a community project created by the People4People Self Advocacy Group and Community Living Wellington. It was designed to be an accessible initiative for everyone, including those living with disabilities. However, it has become a treasure trove for anyone passing by, whether they are neighbors in the area or kids eager to find a fun story.
Reading a good book shouldn’t be a privilege—it’s a pleasure that should be available and shared with all. But the Accessible Little Library is about more than just reading; it’s about sharing and connecting with others in the community.
Do you know your neighbors? Most people don’t, even though they live right next door. This initiative encourages people to stop by, borrow or donate a book, and share a moment with one another. Located at 197 Dufferin Street, the library includes a bench and pavement for accessibility, and it’s positioned closer to the ground, making it easier for people in wheelchairs, walkers, or with other mobility aids to reach it. The library brings joy and life to the community.
This library means so much to the community. Terry, the owner of the property where the library is located, found a note in one of the books saying, “This book saved my life. Scary and meaningful at the same time. As Judy Noonan from People4People mentioned at last week’s gathering, “So many times we don’t know what people are going through, and to help heal each other is very big.”
Here’s to the Accessible Little Library, a place where small actions make a huge impact, and to many more years of sharing and connecting!
