Day 1016 The Book Store

I stopped in at what is affectionately called "the book store," and to my surprise, someone had completely renovated the space. Gone are the days of holding your phone up as a flashlight to browse through the books in a dimly lit room. Now, bright solar-powered lighting strips illuminate the space, making it warm and welcoming.

The raggedy old shelves once cluttered with books have been replaced with large, sturdy library shelving. All the books are categorized and neatly organized. It was no small undertaking, and I was both impressed and delighted by the transformation.

A woman browsing through the novels told me it was a Boy Scout project—which made perfect sense. This little bookstore is actually a free community book swap: a large shed filled with books people are finished with but don’t want to see thrown away. The shed sits right at the entrance to the transfer station—aka the dump—so it's often the last stop on “death row” for these books.

Although I’m not much of a reader, I enjoy stopping in to see what’s available, picking up a book or two for friends, and always leaving with the feeling that I’ve rescued something worth saving.

The Boy Scouts quietly accomplish big things in our communities. It’s heartening to know that we’re still raising young people who take pride in good deeds. Small efforts like this renovation ripple out and make a real difference. It’s a reminder that kindness and care can show up anywhere—even at the dump.