The Edmonds Beacon Newspaper / Mar 19, 2015
ARTspot owner Tracy Felix and James Spangler, owner of ReRead Books, fill the newest Edmonds Little Lending Library with books and magazines related to general art, art history, design, architecture, painting, sculpture, photography and related subjects. Stop by ARTspot at 408 Main St. and take a book, leave a book or both.
When ARTspot’s Tracy Felix noticed Little Free Libraries popping up around town it set her creative thinking in motion.
What if she were to set up a Little Free Library that was exclusively art related in front of ARTspot, her art supply store in downtown Edmonds?
“It seemed like a great idea,” Felix said.
So about six months ago, she began taking small donations at a monthly cinema night event she hosts to help fund the project.
James Spangler of ReRead Books joined forces with her and began stockpiling books.
ARTspot owner Tracy Felix and James Spangler, owner of ReRead Books, fill the newest Edmonds Little Lending Library with books and magazines related to general art, art history, design, architecture, painting, sculpture, photography and related subjects. Stop by ARTspot at 408 Main St. and take a book, leave a book or both.
One of his customers caught wind of the project and arranged for a grant from Thrivent Financial to help fund the construction.
Local printmaker and journeyman carpenter Chris Minor, whose work has been featured at ARTspot, designed and crafted the library itself.
“Chris was very patient with me as I changed my mind several times about the overall design,” Felix said. “What we ran with was repurposed school lockers which fit perfectly with the used books contained inside.”
Doug Footh, the owner of the historic Beeson building at Forth and Main was also involved.
Felix showed Footh the Little Free Library a few blocks away on 5th Street. He was impressed with the concept and added his approval.
Last Sunday, Felix and Spangler stuffed the library with books and magazines related to general art, art history, design, architecture, painting, sculpture, photography and related subjects.
“It has been a true partnership of people who love art and want to give back to the community,” Spangler said.
It’s a simple idea – members of the community are encouraged to take a book or two that interests them, perhaps returning them when they are done with if they wish.
Individuals are also encouraged to bring a book or two if they are able.
You can find this latest addition to the Edmonds art community at ARTspot, 408 Main St.
For a list of other Little Lending Libraries in Edmonds, visit www.littlefreelibrary.org.