Community library opens at Headwaters

By Sam Odrowski

Headwaters Health Care Centre recently launched an upcycled multi-coloured community library, thanks to a passion project between two local high school students.

Orangeville District Secondary School (ODSS) Grade 12 students Trinity Allen and Victoria Swanson developed the library through the Believe Leadership Club, which is an after-school program, that is aimed at utilizing students' passions to make a positive change in the world. 

Trinity used her passion for woodworking, combined with Victoria's love of literature, to solve a problem that they saw, which was that students had less access to books through the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“That was something we were super passionate about solving, so we were able to do that through this program, which we're really grateful for,” said Trinity.

The little free library features donated books and runs on a “take a book, leave a book” concept, where people can donate or borrow literature, on an honour system, so it also reduces book waste, as people now have another place to donate to. The community library is self-sustaining, so it's anticipated that there will be enough book donations to keep up with those borrowing books. 

Victoria notes that the community library at Headwaters should increase access for residents living on the east side of town, around the area of Rolling Hills Drive.

“We want to get more books, make them more accessible for people or for visitors here to be able to enjoy, especially since this location is so far away from the [Orangeville Public] Library. I think residents here will really be able to benefit from it,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Trinity noted that the project has been very beneficial for both her and Victoria.

“Believing in ourselves and this project has given us purpose. We aspire to give people the chance to share books that they have enjoyed and read books that have brought joy to others. I look forward to knowing so many stories will be shared, adventures will be taken, and imaginations will be nourished,” she enthused. 

The students contacted the hospital as part of their Believe Leadership Course for the project. The community library itself is from recycled shipping pallets, found objects and paint from their family's workshops; the teens were able to keep costs down and environmental impact to a minimum. 

Taking books from the community library is just like borrowing from a local library. People can take a book and are encouraged to either leave a new book in its place or return the book when they are finished reading.

Going forward, Trinity and Victoria say they're in the planning phase of building another community library at Lions Park in Orangeville, in partnership with the local library.