Palmer Ave Memorial Garden and Little Library

08/04/2026

The month of August holds some of my favorite books to place in the little library. You’ll find stories about first-day jitters, making new friends, navigating big feelings, finding courage, and choosing kindness. They're small reminders that growing isn't just about learning to read or solve math problems; it's also about learning how to be a good friend, how to persevere, and how to care for one another.

This summer I planted a little surprise for you all and prayed that it took. You will notice one great big sunflower standing tall behind the library! 🌻

I love the irony of it blooming right in time for the start of school because if you've ever watched a young sunflower, you'll notice something remarkable. As it grows, it spends its days following the light. And as our children begin another school year, I hope they do the same. ☺️

There will be days that feel bright, and there will be days when the clouds settle in. On those days, I hope they remember that the light hasn't disappeared. Sometimes it's simply waiting to be found again. ⛅️

My hope for them is that they follow the light wherever they find it; in a teacher who believes in them, a friend who chooses kindness, a book that opens their heart, or the quiet voice inside that reminds them they are enough.

And if you needed that reminder for yourself as well, then this one’s for you, too. 🫶🏼

08/01/2026

Swing by for some tomatoes and spicy oregano right from the garden! Could make for a yummy pasta tonight!

07/27/2026

One of the main reasons for our little library is because I wanted it to be more than a place for books; I wanted it to stand as a place to remember, reflect, and honor the people who have left footprints on our hearts.

On the one year anniversary of our neighbor, Clayton’s passing, we (our street) found ourselves back at the river. We watched the kids splash, smile, and swim. Adults huddled together, wading in the water sharing stories and laughter. Later that first night, we gathered around the fire, sharing words and stories about Clayton; there were pockets of silence where the weight of his departure sat. It was such a joyful, memorable weekend and it just so happened to be one of the greatest ways we could have honored his memory.

Neighbors are a funny thing. For many, it’s just someone who lives next to you, that you might casually wave to in passing. But Clayton was woven into the fabric of our street. He showed up with a helping hand before you had to ask. He made ordinary evenings funnier and when he was well enough, you could always catch him at our street events. He was a husband, a father, a friend, and a steady part of the rhythm of our street.

If you've ever been lucky enough to find a community like ours, you know it's so much more than that. It's shared meals, kids running in and out of each other's homes, annual traditions, road trips, borrowed tools, late-night conversations, celebrations, and the quiet promise that no one has to carry life's joys or burdens alone.

The hardest part about having a community like this is that when one person is missing, everyone feels the space they left behind.
But maybe that's also the greatest gift; because it means we were fortunate enough to care for someone deeply.

Our neighbor is missed.

07/17/2026

Here’s one for the tweens/teens!! 🙌🏼

✨ Save the Date! ✨

Mark your calendars for September 19, 2026

LitUp is back!

Spend the day with bestselling authors, poets, illustrators, and other creators from across the literary world. Meet your favorite authors, discover new books, and explore your own creativity through a day designed just for Kansas City-area teens.

Registration opens August 1! Stay tuned for the full lineup and more details.

07/16/2026

This time of year is one of my favorites in the garden! It’s buzzing with life. The more time I spend in the garden surrounding our little library, the less afraid I have become of bugs.

Somewhere along the way, fear quietly gave way to fascination. I've realized they're not paying us any mind. They're simply living the lives they were made for; gathering pollen, building tiny homes, and keeping our garden healthy. Every flower is part of their world, and every bloom offers a place to work...or sometimes, to rest!

One of my favorite things to do is look for sleeping pollinators. If you visit the little library, slow down for a moment before you choose your book. Look closely into the flowers. Peek beneath the leaves. You might just spot a fuzzy little bee curled up asleep inside a blossom or another tiny garden friend taking a nap among the petals.💤

When we slow down enough to truly see them, they become far less scary and far more extraordinary.

So here's a little challenge for all the young nature explorers who stop by: How many napping insects can you find? Just remember to look with your eyes, not your hands. Let them enjoy their peaceful rest while you enjoy the wonder of discovering them.

My hope is that this little garden grows more than flowers. I hope it grows curious hearts, gentle hands, and children who see even the smallest creatures as neighbors worth protecting.

06/23/2026

This evening as I was prepping the Little Library for July books, a little girl on a walk wearing the sweetest handmade flower crown, carefully tucked a tiny wildflower stem into the library. She told me she was leaving it there for someone else to find.

It was a small gesture, but such a beautiful reminder that kindness doesn’t have to be grand to make the world a little brighter. At some point, someone will open that little library door and discover a little surprise left just for them, just because.

The sweetest magic is often made by little hands and generous hearts. 🌼 Be on the lookout for new books soon!

06/17/2026

How fun! I LOVE strolling around the quaint and cute Downtown Parkville and I have just found another reason to pay a visit; and now you and your kiddos do, too! Story time every Tuesday and Saturday at 10:45. 🥰

109 Main Street, Parkville, MO

Story time starts at 10:45 this morning. We look forward to seeing you soon!

05/05/2026

As you know my neighbors Nate and Monica moved into a new beautiful home they’ve built last week; well we had a bright and warm weekend here in Kansas City so I was able to meet my new neighbors while we were outside enjoying the gorgeous May sunshine! She mentioned how much she loves to read, and it got me thinking… reading really is woven into the heart of our little Palmer community.

From my (now former!) neighbor, Nate, who runs one of the most entertaining book reviews on Instagram.. Seriously! His detailed descriptions make every thriller and spooky read even more fun! So if you like that kind of stuff go give him a follow! 📖 Ndhoover

To another sweet neighbor who shares the cutest, coziest book content (and all the trendy, aesthetic vibes we love)… we are lucky to have so many readers right here on our street providing us with great recommendations and resources!
🍸kc.literarybar

And it doesn’t stop there. 👆🏼her sister owns an adorable bookshop in Weston, MO, just about a 30-minute drive away. If you’ve never explored Weston, it’s absolutely worth the trip (and a perfect excuse to pick up your next read!).
☕️ Bookshophappyendings

To my now, newest neighbor, who is on Goodreads, so there’s yet another place to find inspiration and recommendations!
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/127818498

All of this just reminds me how powerful books are at connecting us and how our Little Library is just one small piece of a much bigger, beautiful reading community right here on Palmer!

And if you ever need a sweet little treat while you read, or not wanting to show up empty-handed to your next book club, it would be a great disservice to you if I didn’t encourage you to go follow Monica at 🍪 Pantrytoporchkc

If you’ve got a favorite book, review page, or local book spot, share it below! Let’s keep the love of reading growing 💛

05/01/2026

It’s hard to put into words what feels like saying goodbye to neighbors who became so much more than that.

From day one, Monica and Nate poured so much kindness into this little corner of our lives. When I had the simple dream of a little library, she didn’t just cheer me on—she helped make it happen by connecting with her father-in-law, who built our beautiful little library with such care.

That library was meant to be a memorial for my mother-in-law, and overtime I wanted it to be a place where all of us could slow down for a moment, reflect, and find joy. But now it also stands as a reminder of the kind of people they are: thoughtful, generous, and always willing to give.

Over the years, their home became a safe and happy place for so many of our kids, a place where they could show up just as they are. Whether it was sharing a treat, learning something new in the kitchen with Monica, or just sitting and talking about their day; Nate and Monica made space for all of it. And both of them took the time to truly see and know these kids as they’ve grown.

They’ve been part of countless little moments that added up to something really big: community, connection, and love.

As avid readers, it felt only fitting to send them off with a book of their very own—a story about the impact they’ve had, the memories they’ve helped create, and the chapter they’ll always hold in our lives.

The Little Library thanks you immensely and sends you only the best wishes in this next chapter. 📚

04/27/2026

My children are far beyond kindergarten, but I thought this was such a sweet, gentle reminder to all the mamas out there with little ones (or big ones!); this can translate to so many aspects of motherhood/childhood.

My kids were, and are, so vastly different and there were many times I felt like I was failing them as their mother because they weren’t doing what each other did at certain stages or what some of their peers may have been doing.

Still to this day I have to remind myself that this is their journey, their path, and they will get to where they need to be when the time is right for them. I just have to continue showing up and supporting them in the ways they need it. My job is be a guiding light. Just a kind reminder on this Monday, that you and your babies are doing a fantastic job! Keep up the good work. 🫶🏼