The Las Colonias Little Free Library in Grand Junction

I took a leap toward promoting literacy and community engagement in the Grand Valley. I was instrumental in getting a Little Free Library in Las Colonias in late 2023. Take a book. Share a book. This exciting initiative stems from a passion for supporting local and a commitment to making a positive impact on the Grand Valley community.

The Little Free Library is located in the Las Colonias Park area near the Butterfly Pond, overlooking the zipline that crosses the Colorado River. A great place for a Little Free Library because it’s where people gather. Look for it by the parking area near the pond.

My wife, Michelle, and I have a connection with local libraries that started with our real estate brokerage in Minnesota. We established a strong relationship with local libraries and their respective friends’ groups. Michelle served on the Board of the Carver County Library Foundation and used her skills to volunteer to make a website for each Friends Group in Carver County, Minnesota.

Inspired by our library experiences, I knew we had to continue our partnership mentality with the Mesa County Libraries Foundation.

I approached my team at the time with the idea of partnering with the Mesa County Libraries foundation and requested we install a Little Free Library. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and thus, our Little Free Library found its new home in the park. A new partnership was formed. Read my post about Mesa County Libraries and be sure to get your Library Card!

As real estate professionals, we understand the significance of helping individuals with their housing needs. That often involves packing up, decluttering, and donating items. I wanted to become a book drop-off site, encouraging residents in the Grand Valley to donate their books during the process of selling their homes. I had one past client donate a collection of over 1,000 books to our local library. The Friends group was so thankful!

I can come to pick up books from your location. This ensures that the Little Free Library remains stocked and ready for readers to explore new literary adventures.

What sets this initiative apart is the commitment to recycling and promoting sustainability. Recognizing that many home sellers may overlook the value of donating books, the Little Free Library ensures that these books don’t end up in landfills. I will donate any extra books I get to the Friends of Mesa County Libraries. This helps support their weekend book sales that, in turn, generate funds to support local library cultural programming and equipment. It’s truly a win-win for everyone involved!

Over the course of my real estate career, I’ve witnessed the impact of a library partnership, emphasizing the importance of encouraging individuals to donate books. This not only preserves literary treasures but also aligns with my commitment to making a positive difference in the community.

Whether you have a handful of books or an extensive library, we welcome your contribution. (Please NO encyclopedias, textbooks or magazines.) Residents are encouraged to fill our Little Free Library with their favorite reads while discovering new gems to take home and enjoy. “Take a Book. Share a Book.”

If you’re already living in Grand Junction or planning a visit, make sure to swing by the Las Colonias Little Free Library to find your next adventure. Find us on the Little Free Library app!

For those looking to arrange a book pick-up, reach out to me directly at 612-306-9558.

I couldn’t be prouder to initiate the Las Colonias Little Free Library in Grand Junction to help foster community engagement, literacy promotion, and sustainability. By joining forces with the Mesa County Libraries Foundation, we have created a platform for residents to contribute to a more vibrant and connected community, one book at a time.