Little Free Library Roswell Wetlands

04/24/2025

Greetings Beloved Little Free Library Patrons!

Happy Springtime! I hope everyone is doing well during these stressful and tumultuous times. It’s essential to find time and space with nature. Walk along the Greenway, enjoy the miraculous changes during this glorious springtime transition in nature, take a book or leave a book or sit on the meditation bench and just breathe. It’s a very peaceful spot off the beaten path.

One thing I believe we can all agree on for certain is that everything changes. I have experienced a few life big life changes over these past couple of years. One, I’ve moved to Athens. I’ve done my best to maintain the library during visits but I’ve very sadly come to terms that I can no longer sustain my stewardship to this unique library that I had installed seven years ago on November 3rd, 2018.

This library/bench project holds a very special place in my heart. Once I had the bench installed, I hired a very gifted woodworker/builder to build her and several talented and generous people helped bring it to fruition. I collected over 100 inspirational quotes over the course of a year that you’ll find on affixed to it.

I’ve purchased and hauled countless cartfuls of books on a regular basis to keep the shelves stocked. I’ve met so many wonderful, appreciative souls while there. Many lovely folks in the community have generously donated multiple books over time eager to support the mission. During my ten minute walk from the parking lot to the library, I’d frequently encounter people walking, running or riding their bike with a book in tow either on their way to or from the library. I once met a woman and her son carrying a large empty box after having delivered a load of books. Be still my heart! I’ve never seen the shelves empty and that’s proof the community appreciates and supports it; it’s well-loved for sure.

I have notified Roswell Park and Recreation Department regarding my dilemma . I was told their staff could not maintain the library. Furthermore, I was informed “if it becomes in disrepair, they will have to remove it.” The thought of this occurring is a bit distressing to say the least.

I’m reaching out to ask if you, someone you know or perhaps a an organization or business would consider taking the torch to keep it thriving so it doesn’t vanish. This library (and all LFL’s) is needed more now than ever considering our precious public library funding is on the chopping block.

This library is very well built, however I realized when I was last there that it does need a little bit of work on the roof. If you are interested in learning more, I will be happy to have a conversation with you to discuss details, share pics and also tell you about the bells and whistles (wheelie cart, hardware, PR materials, interior paint, etc.) I would pass along to you as the new steward.

Please text me if interested and we’ll set a chat time. Many thanks for all your love and support over the years! And thanks in advance for your consideration. Be well and stay safe, everyone.

Much love to you and yours,
Kim Shaver

770-317-1539

Greetings Beloved Little Free Library Patrons!

Happy Springtime! I hope everyone is doing well during these stressful and tumultuous times. It’s essential to find time and space with nature. Walk along the Greenway, enjoy the miraculous changes during this glorious springtime transition in nature, take a book or leave a book or sit on the meditation bench and just breathe. It’s a very peaceful spot off the beaten path.

One thing I believe we can all agree on for certain is that everything changes. I have experienced a few life big life changes over these past couple of years. One, I’ve moved to Athens. I’ve done my best to maintain the library during visits but I’ve very sadly come to terms that I can no longer sustain my stewardship to this unique library that I had installed seven years ago on November 3rd, 2018.

This library/bench project holds a very special place in my heart. Once I had the bench installed, I hired a very gifted woodworker/builder to build her and several talented and generous people helped bring it to fruition. I collected over 100 inspirational quotes over the course of a year that you’ll find on affixed to it.

I’ve purchased and hauled countless cartfuls of books on a regular basis to keep the shelves stocked. I’ve met so many wonderful, appreciative souls while there. Many lovely folks in the community have generously donated multiple books over time eager to support the mission. During my ten minute walk from the parking lot to the library, I’d frequently encounter people walking, running or riding their bike with a book in tow either on their way to or from the library. I once met a woman and her son carrying a large empty box after having delivered a load of books. Be still my heart! I’ve never seen the shelves empty and that’s proof the community appreciates and supports it; it’s well-loved for sure.

I have notified Roswell Park and Recreation Department regarding my dilemma . I was told their staff could not maintain the library. Furthermore, I was informed “if it becomes in disrepair, they will have to remove it.” The thought of this occurring is a bit distressing to say the least.

I’m reaching out to ask if you, someone you know or perhaps a an organization or business would consider taking the torch to keep it thriving so it doesn’t vanish. This library (and all LFL’s) is needed more now than ever considering our precious public library funding is on the chopping block.

This library is very well built, however I realized when I was last there that it does need a little bit of work on the roof. If you are interested in learning more, I will be happy to have a conversation with you to discuss details, share pics and also tell you about the bells and whistles (wheelie cart, hardware, PR materials, interior paint, etc.) I would pass along to you as the new steward.

Please text me if interested and we’ll set a chat time. Many thanks for all your love and support over the years! And thanks in advance for your consideration. Be well and stay safe, everyone.

Much love to you and yours,
Kim Shaver

770-317-1539

Send a message to learn more

11/20/2019

"Tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything." ~Shakespeare

Happy Autumn Lovely Library Patrons!!

TIA for indulging my verbose heartfelt Thanksgiving reflection…

I love this time of year when crisp days beckon us to bundle up and walk in the BCP woods and along Roswell’s Greenway! The trees do their thing that makes my heart sing. Once the leaves complete their final dance and provide mulch for our earth, we then get the opportunity to look up into the soul of the bare branches and notice nests and those who build them. We can observe otherwise hidden wildlife through the open forest. I just love it!

Hey, here’s a cool read if you have a penchant for trees:
The Hidden Life of Trees What They Feel, How They Communicate by Peter Wohlleben.

November 3rd marked the one-year anniversary of this lovely library and meditation bench!! It’s been a thing of beauty to read its journal entries, meet and chat with passersby at the site and hear such positive feedback from FB messages.

I’ve been blessed to meet some truly kind-hearted individuals and have encountered some gracious volunteers and book donors who’ve been willing to help grow the mission throughout this journey. This library/bench project and the stories that unfold is a constant reminder that we are more alike than different. There is far more good in our world when we reach out and connect with otherwise strangers over common and simple bonds such as books, sharing conversation and meditation.

This beloved place of solace in this treasured green space in BCP brings us so many opportunities to unplug, connect with nature and recharge our batteries. Thank YOU for being part of the community of Roswell! It’s my honor to be the steward of this project and I am grateful for all the joy it brings to me and others who enjoy it!

Great news! Eleven yr. old, Hazel Jenkins (pictured holding birthday cake) has volunteered to be our children’s/YA consultant and now the very first LFL Steward Apprentice! ;) She helped me commemorate our birthday by expertly sorting and stamping children’s books, helped cart them to the library and did such a terrific job sprucing up the inventory complete with clever shelf displays. So grateful and happy to have you onboard, Hazel!

I want to express my ongoing sincere gratitude to the amazing team of talented and generous people who made this mission possible (peruse photos & read our story link to learn more about these wonderful big-hearted souls).

Also, heartfelt appreciation for:
> Lyn Mitchel, who has made a few substantial donations with books she scavenges at library sales and also for rounding up donations from her book clubs to feed our shelves.
> Shop owner of Foot Solutions, Jose Berrizbeitia, for the occasional request for me to swing by his shop to pick up boxes of books he donates to the cause.
> Beloved Grace Robinson, who kindly filled my car with books from her bounteous lifetime library.
> Danise and her college-bound daughter, who graciously gifted her wonderful childhood collection.
> Claire Snedeker, a renowned Roswell civic-minded volunteer, who has been super supportive from the inception of this journey. Thanks, Claire, for making the desire path to the bench possible, for replanting native ferns from your garden and for spreading the word. Special thanks to you and your lovely daughter, Erin for extending the most unusual walk invitation of all time! I mean, really. How often does one receive such an irresistible invite? “Would you like to walk to the library with Erin and me…and our lizards, Lizzy and Bandit? Erin has customized a children’s book about lizards we’d like to contribute.” Well, heck yeah, I would! Outfitted in wee leashes, Lizzy and Bandit posed for pictures inside the library. Absolutely delightful!
> Nathan Sears and his beautiful children/family, for delivering 4 bags of children’s books! It’s so generous of you guys to share your precious reads with your community!

Recent Lovely Patron Encounters:
> Ashley Whitt for meeting me in the pouring rain to handoff bags of current hardbacks she decided to part with and share with our patrons.
> Brian Truxillo for giving the library a tune-up and for securing a cable to the journal (several have grown legs and mysteriously disappeared).
> Steven Jenkins for tightening the bolts on the meditation bench, and Keean Jenkins for helping us eat the mini chocolate cake (with unbridled gusto)!
> Paige & Devon Anderson for visiting the library after driving the long scenic route from Chlt, NC.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank the countless Roswell residents who protested and successfully convinced our City Council to put the brakes on the “Yellow Ball Development Project.” The plan involved clear-cutting 2/3’s of our sacred green space (approximately 95+ acres) to build the largest tennis court complex in the nation. Apart from breaking the hearts of the countless BCP patrons, it would have displaced a long list of precious wildlife, wreaked havoc on our already congested Old Alabama Rd and ultimately would have only served a small, select portion of our local taxpayers.

Heartfelt gratitude for all those who showed up at City Hall, petitioned, reached out to our local representatives and pleaded for them to come to their senses and leave Big Creek Park/Roswell Wetlands as it is: a “passive” park and irreplaceable environmental treasure. Abundant thanks to our Roswell City Council and Mayor Henry for coming to their senses. Thank you all for listening to your constituents’ outcries and for rethinking your legacy!

Special gratitude for Roswell City Council member Marcelo Zapata and Shawn Brunner, of Fresh Bikes for working with our city officials to establish a BCP resolution.
So very grateful for Chris Rooker and her vision and fortitude to establish the Big Creek Park Community Alliance. If you would like to stay in the loop and receive BCP action alerts, join us! [email protected]

-> BCP Fans: Please keep a close eye on our local representatives. Understand that while there is currently a resolution in place, it could all change quickly being just a vote or two away from another threat to destroy this revered wilderness. The reality is, other developers will come along and dangle big bucks to entice the city to clear-cut this land. Our voices and our votes do count! Please continue to vote for future Roswell council members and mayors who will advocate for smart development while preserving vanishing greenspace.

And, finally (lol! ;), I’ll share my most favorite tribute to gratitude for you to enjoy with your loved ones by the remarkable cinematographer, Louie Schwartzberg, narrated by Brother David Steindl-Rast (intro is worth your time):
https://www.ted.com/talks/louie_schwartzberg_nature_beauty_gratitude?language=en -567891

May each of you find many reasons to celebrate Thanksgiving! I hope to meet you on the trail!

Cheers!
Kim

08/21/2019

Okay, I admit it. My dogs and I are not fans of the dog days of summer. The humidity zaps life forces out of us; hence our visits to the library have been far less frequent lately. Recently I was invited to meet one of the beloved library volunteers, Claire Snedeker, her lovely daughter, Erin and their charming bearded dragons, Lizzy and Bandit at the Greenway for a walk to the library to deliver their sweet children’s book about lizards. Well, this certainly gave me an opportunity to stop whining about oppressive heat and embrace August through the lens of lizards.

Erin and Claire adore their lizard babies! And I have to say, they were pretty adorable (in a lizard kind of way) saddled up in their wee custom leashes. Erin very thoughtfully personalized their contribution with endearing notes and facts on the inside cover of the book. Lizzy and Bandit made themselves right at home, chillin’ in the library with a book. Special thanks to Erin and Claire for a fun and interesting stroll along the Greenway, and of course, for donating such a thoughtful book. Lizzy, btw, is the copper-colored one (serendipitously matches the copper-covered library ;) and Bandit is the smaller, lighter one.

While visiting the library, I met a very sweet lady, Arzu Esme relaxing on the meditation bench enjoying a book. Arzu hails from her homeland in Turkey and she’s here visiting Atl for a couple of months. She mentioned she was pleasantly surprised to happen upon the space while exploring the Greenway. Welcome Arzu! So happy you discovered this little place of solace in Roswell’s beautiful Wetlands!

I think I’ll rename the dog days to the lizard days of summer. 🦎 Stay cool and enjoy this last phase of summertime in the south. May the rhythm of the cicadas soothe your soul. 🌞

04/23/2019

Celebrate World Book Day!

Excerpt from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization):

"Books are a form of cultural expression that lives through and as part of a chosen language. Each publication is created in a distinct language and is intended for a language-specific reading audience. A book is thus written, produced, exchanged, used and appreciated in a given linguistic and cultural setting. This year we highlight this important dimension because 2019 marks the International Year of Indigenous Languages, led by UNESCO, to reaffirm the commitment of the international community in supporting indigenous peoples to preserve their cultures, knowledge and rights."

Read more here:
https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/worldbookday

From Wired: Settle Into Ten Of The Most Beautiful Libraries On Earth:

https://www.wired.com/2016/09/settle-10-beautiful-libraries-earth/?utm_social-type=owned&utm_brand=wired&utm_campaign=wired&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&mbid=social_twitter

Download FREE Kindle reads from around the globe in honor of this day- but hurry, timely action required!
https://www.amazon.com/article/read-the-world/ref=apubna_mq_gs_10016_im_1_1_1904
🇺🇸

04/23/2019

Happy Earth Day! Hope you're enjoying the wildlife and springtime activity at Big Creek Park. Recent sightings: A camera-shy owl, a Great Blue Heron, a really cool maroon wildflower (can anyone identify this beauty?), and blackberry blossoms. Nut Hatch bird boxes were recently installed by some very thoughtful people. We're so fortunate to have this treasured natural refuge right here in busy Roswell, Ga! If you're interested in joining the Big Creek Park Community Alliance mailing list, please msg me and we'll happily include you. Our mission is to respectively work with Roswell City Council and Roswell Parks to preserve and conserve this precious space in the wetlands.
Here's to making every day Earth Day! 🌎💫🌿🐝

04/18/2019

Celebrate National Poetry Month!

I could never have dreamt that there were such goings-on
in the world between the covers of books,
such sandstorms and ice blasts of words,
such staggering peace, such enormous laughter,
such and so many blinding bright lights,
splashing all over the pages
in a million bits and pieces
all of which were words, words, words,
and each of which were alive forever
in its own delight and glory and oddity and light.
-Dylan Thomas
~~~~
Here’s a very thoughtful poetry resource list for students and educators from the fabulous George Lucas Educational Foundation:
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/national-poetry-month-teacher-resources-matt-davis

Poetry Foundation: Wonderful resources, and complimentary digital subscription plus upgrade options:
https://www.poetryfoundation.org

Kid’s Poetry Suggestions from Book Riot:
https://bookriot.com/2019/04/05/poetry-books-for-kids/

There are many accessible books written on the subject of how to read and write poetry. While Mary Oliver’s recent departure is still fresh on some of our minds, here’s one of the classics to check out from your local library:
A Poetry Handbook -Mary Oliver
ISBN: 97801567240050156724006
*You may likely know this, but if your desired title isn’t available at your local library, you can set-up a branch transfer online. You may also request an Interlibrary Loan to borrow outside our city’s system: Atl/Fulton Co: http://afpls.org/interlibrary-loan

This is a very thoughtful poetry resource list for students and educators from the George Lucas Educational Foundation:
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/national-poetry-month-teacher-resources-matt-davis

03/28/2019

Happy Springtime One & All! Big Creek Park offers lots of surprises for those who unplug, slow down and take notice. Rabbits return to sort through the weeds, endless bird songs, owls, hawks, cranes, geese, deer, ferns uncoil, turtles line up for community sunbathing in logs, occasional snakes rustle off. The wetlands are alive with rebirth. Lovely. Come sit on the meditation bench and peruse the library. Great books continue to come and go. Enjoy! 😌🐸🦌🐍🐝🦆

03/21/2019

Happy Springtime Lovely Library Patrons!! 🌷 🐝

It's so much fun meeting fellow Big Creek Park Power-Users at the library! Say hi to Kati & Karri who enjoy routine trips to the park with their dad, Gary, who gets his run in while his adorable (!) girls enjoy the ride in the jogging stroller with a book in tow. They routinely share, and also enjoy finding books during their visits. ☺️

Ellie & son, Kaia, like to cycle the Greenway. Ellie was dropping a complete series collection of romance books, neatly labeled and rubber-banded when I arrived one day recently. This was her second collection donation. Her first set vanished pretty quickly! Thanks for hauling those books, Eliie!

And, today, on this glorious first day of spring, I had the pleasure of meeting Rosie & Richard who wheeled up to peruse the books.

Great meeting all of you! Thanks so much for helping support the library! It's a beautiful thing to know you're enjoying it. 🙌

Finally, a special shout out to patron and donor, Lyn Mitchell. Lyn has collected books from her book clubs, and later gave me a heads-up about a library book sale since she knows I'm always out scouting for books. She then kindly donated 4 more boxes of books (hardbacks) that she hauled from this sale! You're awesome, Lyn!

Enjoy these longer days, warmer temps, countless colorful Atlanta buds and blooms and the springtime bird chatter. Happy reading! ✌️

03/12/2019

https://patch.com/georgia/roswell/bike-community-mourns-loss-beloved-cyclist

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 16, at Northside Chapel in Roswell for Emil Walcek.

03/12/2019

It is with a heavy heart I share this article about Emil Walcek's recent passing. Emil was a generous, kind soul and contributed a generous amount of time and talent to the library's marketing plan. He was so incredibly supportive and encouraging. He always wore a gentle smile and he will be terribly missed in our community. Prayers, light and strength to his loving family. His memorial service is Sat. March 16th at 2p @ Northside Chapel in Roswell. RIP, Emil!

03/08/2019

URGENT! GREENWAY SUPPORTERS: MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Your Support Is Needed at Roswell Council:
Mon., March 11 at 7:00 PM

~~~~~~

MARCH UPDATE
Last August, the citizens of Roswell and surrounding communities banded together to stop the destruction of our beloved Big Creek Park from a tennis center planned by Roswell’s Mayor and City Council In October, at a Town Hall in East Roswell, the community continued to present a clear, unified message to preserve Big Creek Park in its current state for future generations. Big Creek Park was purchased by the citizens of Roswell in 2002 with an $18 Million bond.

It is time once again for action!

A Resolution to protect Big Creek Park is being presented at Roswell City’s regular Council meeting for the Mayor’s and City Councils' signatures this coming Monday, March 11 at 7pm. We want to peacefully pack the courthouse again to show the community’s continued support for preserving Big Creek Park for Trees and Trails.

The Resolution was a collaboration by Big Creek Park Community Alliance, Fresh Bikes, Councilmember Marcelo Zapata, and the City of Roswell attorney. See the link below to review the Resolution.

Wear Green!

Please plan to attend and invite your neighbor!

Mayor and Council
Regular Meeting
3/11/2019 7:00 PM
City Hall - Council Chambers
38 Hill Street
Roswell, GA 30075

Item 6 is "Approval of a Resolution for Big Creek Park".
The Agenda and resolution can be viewed here:
http://roswellcityga.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=2115

Join us! This message is sponsored by the Big Creek Park Community Alliance. We are a group of leading citizens, nature lovers, dog walkers, cycle enthusiasts, business owners and environmentalists bound together to protect Big Creek Park permanently for its current use of Trees and Trails. We do this by engaging the community and city officials respectfully.

To receive updates and calls to action from the Big Creek Park Community Alliance, please subscribe here:
[email protected]

~~~~~~

"We need everyone to attend the City Council Meeting on Monday, March 11th Roswell City Hall. This is our final push to preserve the park and we need everyone's support and attendance!!"
~Shawn Brunner, Fresh Bikes Roswell, GA

*You do not have to be a Roswell resident to support this mission to preserve our area wetlands/Big Creek Park. Our voices matter! Please help spread the word and we hope to see you there!

03/08/2019

A Good Day: Getting a call from a Greenway Power User, Jose Berrizbeitia offering to donate books, then meeting his lovely wife and business partner, Lilian (and their Beagle pups, Jack & Bob) at their family store, Foot Solutions in John's Creek. ..And, then afterward, making a pit-stop next door at The Health Nut for a little shopping. The proprietor, Mohamed, always greets his customers with a warm smile. When he noticed the stack of books I carried in tow, I mentioned that his neighbor, Jose had just donated books to the library. He was quick to say, "I can give you books for the library!" He led me to his sale rack and invited me to take a few. Kindness begets kindness. 💗

I think it's worth consideration to forgo the convenience of online shopping and support our local small business owners. These kind, hard-working people are supporting our community, so let's support them. If you haven't visited their shops yet, swing by and check out their useful wares and enjoy personable conversation. They'll keep your feet 🦶 comfortably moving and your healthcare shelves well-stocked, and then...you'll be in ideal shape to enjoy more walks🚶🏾‍♀️and rides 🚴🏼‍♂️ along the Greenway in our Beautiful Big Creek Park! Don't forget to take a book 📚to share with you and grab one for yourself while you're at it! A good day for all! 😁

Thanks 🙏again, Jose, Lilian & Mohamed!!