• New Little Free Library in Windsong Valley

Many thanks to Natalia Rupp and her family for choosing to take on a project that will benefit the whole community. To officially kick that off, she had a ribbon cutting that was pretty well attended.

Natalia Rupp, holding her son, speaking to crowd... that extended half way into the street, before cutting the ribbon.

Natalia is a longtime Wildomar and Windsong Valley resident. She grew up in the area, going to the local schools along the way.

A table full of books

I asked Natalia what motivated her to take on this project. "Having access to books is the most important thing for students, [and] without any strings attached." 

She figured this was the best way to get books directly into the hands of those that need them, without having the red tape of an organization to back it on a larger scale. 

This effort has been done completely by donations, and she has 8 full boxes of books on hand to keep the Little Free Library stocked for weeks to come.

A look at the Free Little Library when there isn't a crowd around it. ☺
It's located at 35573 Wanki Ave.

The Little Free Library started out as a doghouse. Natalia's dad ordered it online (who happens to live next door) and her uncle, a woodworker from Norco, built the doors.

The concept of a Little Free Library is that you can take a book and leave a book, though you aren't expected to do both on the same visit. 

The books aren't only aimed at children, there are just as many that would appeal to more mature readers too.

Link to website with more details about the concept, and if you'd like to install one yourself.

This young man was showing off his new book.

There were several raffles (everyone was given a free ticket) that included books, gift certificates to local establishments, and other fun stuff, it was quite a turn out.

From left to right: Wildomar Queen Jessie Taylor, Natalia Rupp, two young girls that I didn't get their names, Wildomar Librarian Melina Velazquez, City Councilmember Bridgette Moore.

Attendees included many Windsong Valley neighbors, city council member Bridgette Moore, Wildomar librarian Melina Velazquez, Friends of the Library, Michelle and Margaret of Love on a Leash K-9 Comfort and Wildomar Queen Jessie Taylor.

Local kids were already exploring the Little Free Library's contents. 

I asked Wildomar Librarian Melina Velazquez for her thoughts, "I'm happy to be here and happy to see Little Libraries popping up in Wildomar; it's an excellent way to promote literacy in our community." 

She was telling me about the library's Summer program which includes four performances in the coming months.
•  Monday, June 11th at 12:15pm: The Buster Balloon Magic Show 
•  Wednesday, June 27th at 2pm: California Joe Show.
•  Wednesday, July 11th at 1:30pm: Pacific Animal Productions

•  Wednesday, July 18th at 2:00pm: Christopher T. Magician Magic Show

They also have movie days, an arts/crafts day called Dragon Eye for kids 12 to 17, a chess club for all ages, a book club and a lot of other great activities. Be sure to contact the library, or the Friends of the Library, for more information.

(951) 471-3855

Friends of the Library facebook link

Click here to visit the website

Also in attendance were therapy dogs Gracie Sue and Winston, they are part of Love on a Leash and help kids read. They'll be at the Wildomar library June 13th, 27th and July 8th at 4pm. Come on down and practice reading to one of them.

Gracie Sue is the taller one, and Winston is the cuter one... ☺

•                •                •

A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.
– C.S. Lewis

Wildomar Rap is isn't known for it's children's stories, but kids of all ages have loved the cartoons that appear here from time to time.

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