The Lindsie Haxton Legacy Library Collection celebrated its outdoor extension on the morning of Oct. 17, with a ribbon cutting ceremony to officiate the little library in honour of the late volunteer and educator.
The little library is located to the right of the front doors of the Parent Link Centre (PLC) and is dedicated to children's literature and other resources to help families. Anyone is encouraged to take or leave books as they see fit, free of charge.
Terrance Haxton, Lindsie's husband and the director of Helping Hands, was bursting with pride and gratitude toward Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) staff and attending families for honouring Lindsie in a way that will continue to give back.
"I'm just so pleased that FCSS embraced the idea of honouring this beautiful woman and supporting something that could be a real support to families," said Terrance, speaking of his "soulmate of 38 years" and her work as a Grade 1 and special needs educator and volunteer.
Lindsie, who died in 2013, also published a book A Rainbow of Words, which Terrance clasped throughout the ceremony.
"Take a book, leave a book and keep the love of reading alive in our community," said officiator, Laurie Bourdage, PLC coordinator.
The memorial library located inside the Parent Link Centre was opened in 2015. Terrance said each year he donates to the collection to keep building the collection of children's literature, parenting books and kits for the more than 10,000 users who come through the centre doors each year.
To donate resources or funds to purchase more books, visit the PLC at at 127 1st Ave West or call 403-851-2265.
Cochrane gets first multicultural little library
Cochrane cut the ribbon on Oct. 14 to celebrate its first multicultural little library, courtesy of the Calgary-based volunteer organization Love with Humanity.
"I love this idea. I love this with a passion," said Syed Najam with Love with Humanity.
Cochrane officials and supporters attended the Saturday event, where the mini library that adds to Cochrane's blossoming population of little libraries mostly located on the front yards of residential properties is now located in front of the FCSS building downtown.
Najam, a Calgary resident who immigrated from Pakistan in 2009, put up the first little multicultural library on his front lawn earlier this year.
Now, Love with Humanity has put up a total of six mini libraries containing literature of a long list of languages – including Chinese, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, French and many more. Three are located in Calgary, one in Airdrie, one in Chestermere and now Cochrane.
Najam said the idea is catching on outside of Alberta's borders and he hopes to see it continue to make its way around the globe.
"Now the people love this idea," he enthused. Visit Love with Humanity on Facebook.
To donate to the collection, contact or stop by FCSS at 209 2nd Ave West or 403-851-2250.
