Classroom Product Design Challenge Creates Little Free Library

Outside the guard station of Academia Cotopaxi, you will now see a Little Free Library. The Little Free Library was designed and created by Carlos Eduardo Reyes and Maria Paula Vega, based on a request by Associate Principal Joy Brooke. The design was first imagined using the 3D modeling software SketchUp with help from Tech Design teacher Jordan Englehart, then built entirely of recycled materials. The main body of the library is made from an old desk drawer and the windows are recycled plastic bottles. Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world. Through Little Free Libraries, millions of books are exchanged each year, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds. In fact, one of the most successful ways to improve the reading achievement of children is to increase their access to books, especially at home (McGill-Franzen and Allington 2009). Little Free Libraries play an essential role by providing 24/7 access to books (and encouraging a love of reading!) in areas where books are scarce. There are now over 50,000 of these community libraries in over 70 countries. The one in front of our school is the first in Ecuador. We have registered it and will soon receive a plaque, which we will place on the box, making it the first Little Free Library in Ecuador added to the world map.

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