La Tea Dolly unveils Little Free Library Aug. 2

Monica Davis shows off the newly donated Little Free Library that she will transform and unveil on Aug. 2.

La Tea Dolly, a children’s tea shop located at 1637 Lee Road, is the first Cleveland Heights business to host a Little Free Library on its premises. The shop will hold an unveiling ceremony and grand opening of the library on Saturday, Aug. 2, at 11 a.m.

Owner Monica Davis received a donated Little Free Library box from Margaret Bernstein of the Literacy Cooperative (www.literacycooperative.org). “She secured the donor for my box and I agreed to become the steward,” said Davis. “I am responsible for engaging the community, keeping the library full, promotions—and, of course, I’m redecorating it.” Davis will reveal the new design for the box on Aug. 2. 

“I have been transforming it to match La Tea Dolly's decor, so it is mostly pink and white,” she said. “But, hopefully, people will donate books for both boys and girls. You can follow the transformation on my website and on Twitter. But, it is not going to be just a cute little structure; its purpose is to build a sense of community, and to promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide.”

Davis said she loves reading. “When I came across this movement on Twitter, I knew I wanted to be involved,” she said. “It is a way for me to increase literacy and make a difference in this community. Also, I love the Little Free Library motto, ‘take a book, return a book.’ " 

Davis said that although the library will be located inside La Tea Dolly, she will place it outside the business when weather permits. “We hope that you stop by and bring a book, and take whatever book catches your fancy,” she said.

The ceremony will feature refreshments, crafts and, of course, books. “The library belongs to the neighborhood, not just La Tea Dolly,” said David. “The books are always a gift—never for sale.”

Learn more at www.littlefreelibrary.org and www.lateadolly.com.

La Tea Dolly is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 5–8 p.m., and Saturday, 12–8 p.m., and by appointment.

Deanna Bremer Fisher

Deanna Bremer Fisher is executive director of FutureHeights and publisher of the Heights Observer.

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Volume 7, Issue 8, Posted 10:27 AM, 07.29.2014