Little Free Library - Shadow Dr, Whispering Pines

07/05/2025

🧩 New in the Little Free Library!

If you’re looking for a fun project, check out this beautiful 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle I just added: Village Toy Shop by White Mountain.

White Mountain puzzles are top quality, and it really does make a difference iykyk.

Stop by and grab it if you’re in the mood for something cozy and colorful to work on. Happy puzzling!

01/22/2025

*JUST ADDED*

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is a hauntingly beautiful novel that weaves themes of nature, loneliness, and resilience into an unforgettable story. Set in the marshes of North Carolina, the book follows Kya Clark, a misunderstood "Marsh Girl," as she grows up in isolation, finding solace in the natural world around her. The story alternates between her struggles and a mysterious murder investigation, blending coming-of-age with a suspenseful whodunit. Owens' lyrical prose captures the essence of the landscape and Kya’s connection to it, creating a vivid and emotional journey. It's a compelling tale of survival, love, and the human spirit.

10/06/2024

Free book alert!

https://www.thepilot.com/news/banned-wagon-rolling-into-southern-pines/article_ce1141cc-8253-11ef-8f39-4f68ec6d747a.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3hTilQXa9DvFWMJKuWGN-v0pke9OiPQBbBSbB-xpjsNhrRjsuktliTn4w_aem_QwgtkFK0JDNirTZrl9q5qQ

The Penguin Random House publishing company has chosen Southern Pines as one of nine stops nationally for a tour of its Banned Wagon.

09/01/2024

Thanks to Rich "wasp slayer" Wells for taking care of another wasp nest today. We also added foam in the gaps to hopefully provide a more effective solution.

It is a little rough looking, but I'll do more cleanup and it'll look like new in no time.

08/09/2024

In honor of Book Lovers Day, we've added another title to our "Removed Books Repertoire"—The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison.

BACK STORY

We were deeply concerned by the Moore County Board of Education's decision earlier this year to remove four books from public schools. Here’s a summary of the January 18, 2024 article in The Pilot:

"After a six-month process involving extensive discussions, delays, and significant financial resources, the Moore County Board of Education has decided to remove four books from district libraries. The initiative began when board member Philip Holmes proposed reviewing 14 books due to concerns about their appropriateness for school libraries. However, only nine books were ultimately reviewed, and the board voted 5-2 to remove four titles, falling short of Holmes' original request. The decision sparked debates among board members, with some advocating for strict adherence to committee recommendations while others expressed concerns about procedural fairness and the educational suitability of the materials.

Among the books removed are The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell, Looking for Alaska by John Green, and Crank by Ellen Hopkins. Despite review committees recommending keeping all nine books, the board opted for removal, citing concerns about vulgar content, educational suitability, and age appropriateness. While some members, like Pauline Bruno, expressed moral and ethical dilemmas in their decisions, others, like Stacey Caldwell, deferred to the expertise of educators and the review process. The decision, which incurred nearly $14,000 in expenses, including legal fees and staffing costs, is binding for the next two years, barring any similar challenges during that period."

We believe that removing books undermines intellectual freedom by limiting students' access to diverse perspectives, ideas, and information. It's also a form of censorship, suppressing free expression and violating the rights of students and parents to access information and ideas. While we acknowledge that removing these books from public school libraries isn’t a complete "ban" since they can still be purchased elsewhere, we refer to these four titles as the "Removed Books Repertoire."

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The second book added to our Little Free Library is The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. Described by Moore County Board of Education Chair Robert Levy as “highly pervasive vulgar,” The Bluest Eye is a profound and poignant novel that explores complex themes such as race, identity, and the impact of societal standards on self-worth. Set in the 1940s, it tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, an African American girl who yearns for blue eyes, believing they will make her beautiful and worthy of love. Through its rich narrative and multifaceted characters, the novel delves into difficult topics like racism, internalized self-hatred, and abuse, making it a powerful but challenging read.

Due to its mature themes, The Bluest Eye is most appropriate for older teens and adults, typically recommended for readers aged 16 and up. The novel's exploration of heavy subjects requires a level of emotional maturity to fully grasp its depth and meaning. For younger readers, parental guidance is advised to help contextualize and discuss the difficult issues presented in the book. Despite its challenging content, The Bluest Eye is an important work that encourages critical thinking and empathy.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Removing The Bluest Eye limits students' access to a book that offers a nuanced and insightful perspective on racism and prejudice. This decision doesn't protect young people; it deprives them of the opportunity to learn about the harsh realities faced by people of color and stifles important conversations about oppression and equality. By removing such books, we risk fostering ignorance instead of encouraging the understanding and empathy that are crucial for addressing social injustices.

07/21/2024

Big thanks to the neighbor who let us know about the wasps in our Little Free Library—not the kind of patrons we want! We took care of the nest and hopefully won’t be pestered again! Please continue to keep us updated about any maintenance issues or suggestions! 📚

04/24/2024

** NEW BOOK JUST ADDED! Eleanor & Park **

We had some strong feelings about the Moore County Board of Education's decision earlier this year to remove 4 books from public schools. Here's the backstory, summarized from the 1/18/24 article in The Pilot:

"After a six-month process involving extensive discussions, delays, and significant financial resources, the Moore County Board of Education has reached a decision to remove four books from district libraries. The initiative began when board member Philip Holmes proposed reviewing 14 books due to concerns about their appropriateness for school libraries. Despite Holmes' initial proposal, only nine books were ultimately reviewed, and the board voted 5-2 to remove four titles, falling short of Holmes' original request. The decision sparked debates among board members, with some advocating for strict adherence to committee recommendations while others expressed concerns about procedural fairness and the educational suitability of the materials.

Among the books removed are "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison, "Eleanor and Park" by Rainbow Rowell, "Looking for Alaska" by John Green, and "Crank" by Ellen Hopkins. Despite recommendations from review committees to keep all nine books, the board opted for removal, citing concerns about vulgar content, educational suitability, and age appropriateness. While some members, like Pauline Bruno, expressed moral and ethical dilemmas in their decisions, others, like Stacey Caldwell, deferred to the expertise of educators and the review process. The decision, which incurred nearly $14,000 in expenses, including legal fees and staffing costs, is binding for the next two years, barring any substantially similar challenges during that period."

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We believe that removing books goes against intellectual freedom by limiting students' access to diverse perspectives, ideas, and information. It also is a form of censorship as it suppresses free expression and violates the students' and parents' rights to access information and ideas.

We understand that removing the books from the public school libraries isn't "banning" per se as the books can be purchased elsewhere, which is why we shall refer to these four books as the "Removed Books Repertoire."

The first book is "Eleanor & Park." School Board Member Pauline Bruno said, "Regarding “Eleanor and Park, this book started off as a beautiful teenage story, nice relationship between a boy and a girl who sit together on the bus, but the more you got into it the language was disgusting. It doesn’t belong in any school, and there is absolutely nothing educational about it.”

We couldn't disagree more! We highly recommend the book for Young Adults and it gets 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon and 3.9 on Goodreads.

Here's our summary:

"Eleanor & Park" is a young adult novel by Rainbow Rowell that tells the story of two misfit teenagers, Eleanor and Park, who find solace and love in each other's company amidst the challenges of their turbulent lives. Set in the 1980s, the novel explores themes of love, friendship, family dysfunction, bullying, and societal prejudices.

The story follows the unlikely romance between Eleanor, a quirky and artistic girl from a troubled family background, and Park, a half-Korean boy who struggles with his own insecurities. Despite coming from different social backgrounds and facing opposition from peers and family members, Eleanor and Park form a deep connection through their shared love of comic books and music.

Throughout the novel, the characters grapple with issues of identity, self-acceptance, and the search for belonging. Eleanor struggles with body image issues and the trauma of her abusive home life, while Park navigates cultural identity and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. As their relationship blossoms, they learn valuable lessons about resilience, empathy, and the power of love to transcend social barriers.

Ultimately, "Eleanor & Park" celebrates the beauty of first love and the transformative power of human connection, offering readers a poignant reminder that even in the face of adversity, love has the ability to heal and inspire.

04/01/2024

**JUST ADDED: The Game Show Murders Mystery Game*

Attention all mystery and game show enthusiasts! Dive into the unique world of "The Game Show Murders," where the lines between entertainment and investigation blur in the most unexpected ways. As a seasoned detective accustomed to the gritty realities of crime, your idea of relaxation is a world away from your day job. You find solace in the thrill and cheer of "The Ultimate Game Show," a program that's become your guilty pleasure. Imagine your surprise and excitement when an invitation to be a contestant lands in your hands. Without a second thought, you're ready to spin the wheel and guess the puzzles. But, as fate would have it, your participation is not just for ratings or a shot at the grand prize.

The charismatic and ever-smiling host, Rob Rogers, has his reasons for bringing you onto the show. Amidst the lights, cameras, and action, a sinister plot unfolds – Rob believes someone is out to end his life. With each round, question, and decision, the stakes get higher. Will you opt for what's behind the mysterious Door #3, take your chances with the spin of a wheel, or reach out to a friend for insights? The studio becomes a ground for investigation as you navigate through clues, puzzles, and suspects in a race against time to prevent a tragedy.

"The Game Show Murders" isn't just about winning prizes or solving puzzles. It's about using your wit, intuition, and detective skills to uncover a plot hidden beneath the surface of a beloved game show. Can you advance to the Grand Prize round, save the host, and unveil the mastermind behind the scheme? The letters missing from M_RDER are U – it's your time to step in and solve the ultimate mystery.

**Difficulty Rating:** 6/10

Prepare to engage in a game where every choice matters, and the prize is much more than money or fame—it's about justice. "The Game Show Murders" will test your deductive skills, your courage, and your ability to stay one step ahead of the game. Come on down, it's your turn to play!



[As a seasoned member of the Deadbolt Mystery Society with a collection of their games under my belt, I've decided it's time to pass on the fun. Inside the box, you'll find everything you need to get started. Please remember to return all pieces to their original envelopes and secure them with tape after you're done. This way, the mystery remains intact for the next sleuth. Enjoy the adventure!]

03/11/2024

🎭✨ New Game Alert: Mystery at the Fairytale Ball ✨🎭

Hey Mystery Game Enthusiasts!

Prepare to dive into a world where fairy tales and reality collide in the most enchanting way possible. Welcome to the annual Grimm Fairytale Ball - a night where the elite and influential of Valley Falls come together in a dazzling display of costumes and mystery. For years, this exclusive event has been an elusive dream for many, accessible only to the wealthiest and most prominent figures... until now.

🔍 Your Mission: You've been hired by none other than the hostess, Cynthia Grimm, to unmask a cunning blackmailer known as the Pied Piper. With threats looming over the Grimm family secrets - secrets that could devastate not only Miss Grimm but the numerous charities she supports - the stakes couldn't be higher. The Piper is expected to be among the guests, hiding behind a fairy tale facade, making this your chance to outsmart a foe who thrives in the shadows.

Armed with a costume and a keen eye for detail, it's up to you to navigate the ball, interrogate fairy tale characters, and peel away layers of deceit. Can you solve the mystery and protect the Grimm legacy?

🎲 Difficulty Rating: 6/10

See if you have what it takes to solve the Mystery at the Fairytale Ball. Your invitation awaits...



[As a seasoned member of the Deadbolt Mystery Society with a collection of their games under my belt, I've decided it's time to pass on the fun. Inside the box, you'll find everything you need to get started. Please remember to return all pieces to their original envelopes and secure them with tape after you're done. This way, the mystery remains intact for the next sleuth. Enjoy the adventure!]

03/03/2024

2 Great Books JUST ADDED!

# # # Every Breath You Take by Mary Higgins Clark

"Every Breath You Take" is a thrilling novel co-authored by Mary Higgins Clark, the Queen of Suspense, and Alafair Burke. This book is part of the Under Suspicion series, which features Laurie Moran, a television producer known for solving cold cases on her popular show, Under Suspicion. In this installment, the case at the center is the mysterious death of a wealthy widow, Amanda Pierce, who was believed to have fallen—or was she pushed?—from the balcony during a gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Clark and Burke masterfully weave a tale of intrigue, secrets, and suspense. The narrative is tightly plotted, with numerous red herrings and twists that keep the reader guessing until the very end. The character of Laurie Moran is particularly well-developed, showcasing her determination, intelligence, and the emotional struggles she faces as she delves deeper into the case. The dynamic between the characters, including the suspects and Laurie's team, adds depth to the story, making it not just a mystery to solve but also an exploration of human motives and relationships.

What sets this novel apart is its attention to detail and the seamless collaboration between Clark and Burke. Their writing styles complement each other, creating a smooth, engaging read. The backdrop of New York City, with its mix of glamour and danger, provides the perfect setting for the suspenseful narrative.

"Every Breath You Take" is a must-read for fans of the mystery and suspense genre. It's a testament to Mary Higgins Clark's legacy as a master storyteller, further enhanced by Alafair Burke's skillful co-writing. This novel not only offers a gripping mystery but also pays homage to the enduring appeal of the Under Suspicion series.

# # # Sheila the Great by Judy Blume

"Sheila the Great" is a timeless classic by Judy Blume that stands out in the realm of children's literature for its relatable portrayal of childhood fears, insecurities, and the journey to self-acceptance. The story centers around Sheila Tubman, a ten-year-old girl who, on the surface, appears confident and boastful about her abilities. However, as the reader delves deeper, it becomes evident that Sheila is grappling with various fears, including swimming, dogs, and the dark, which she tries her best to hide from those around her.

Set during a summer in Tarrytown, New York, where Sheila's family rents a house, the narrative unfolds Sheila's experiences and adventures, introducing a cast of characters that add richness and humor to the story. Judy Blume's talent for capturing the voice and inner thoughts of a child shines through in this novel, making Sheila's character both believable and deeply empathetic.

What makes "Sheila the Great" particularly engaging is its honesty and the way it addresses the complexities of growing up. Blume doesn't shy away from discussing fears and insecurities that are part of the childhood experience, making readers feel seen and understood. The novel is filled with moments of growth and self-discovery, as Sheila learns to confront her fears and accept herself for who she is, imperfections and all.

In addition to its exploration of personal growth, the book is also a fun and entertaining read, marked by Blume's signature humor and keen observations of everyday life. The interactions between Sheila and her friends, the challenges she faces, and her eventual realization that it's okay to be afraid sometimes, all contribute to a heartwarming and satisfying narrative.

"Sheila the Great" is not just a book for children; it's a delightful read for anyone who remembers the trials and triumphs of growing up. Judy Blume has created a character in Sheila that resonates with readers of all ages, reminding us of the importance of honesty, courage, and self-acceptance.

02/25/2024

*THIS JUST IN* - Little Free Library vandalized...