Looking for new reading material? The next time you’re walking down Court Street, you might spot downtown Lynchburg’s newest stop for free books. The shingled red box provides free books for all, and community members can contribute books of their own as they please.
The lending library is a result of months of hard work and planning by Heritage High School teacher Jason Daniels’s carpentry students. Theirs is one of more than 150,000 book-exchange boxes providing reading materials in over 100 countries through Little Free Library, a nonprofit with a mission to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access for all.
From left to right: Heritage High carpentry teacher Jason Daniels, Heritage High students Caiden Cash and Ronald Black, and LCS Instructional Supervisor Cathy Nichols-Cocke.
“Reading a book can bring you so many experiences you wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to. By building this, we’re making reading more accessible. It’s helpful for everyone in the area,” said Heritage High 10th grader Naki Tubbs.
Daniels’s students started this project about five months ago. Both Carpentry I and Carpentry II students contributed, learning valuable trade skills at every step of the process, from design to construction to painting.
“I’m more of a solo person, but this project gave me some experience working with a team. Since I want to be in the real estate business, the skills I’m learning in this class will help me with my future career,” said Heritage High 10th grader Desmond Henderson.
Under Daniels’s direction, the students designed the box, took measurements, fabricated parts, assembled the final product, shingled the roof, and added paint and finishing touches. For many, this was the most advanced opportunity they’d had to put their knowledge of safety, tool use, and technique to the test.
Heritage High students Naki Tubbs (left) and Desmond Henderson (right) plan to use their construction skills in their future careers.
“It’s been interesting to learn from my classmates. Working with a team, you can learn from everyone. You see different perspectives and points of view on how to approach projects,” Tubbs said. “Even with painting, there are so many different ways to paint one object. You can bring out different details just by changing up your brushstrokes or using a different brush.”
Hands-on projects like this one are regular undertakings in Daniels’s classroom. His courses are part of an expansive lineup of Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes at Lynchburg City Schools (LCS). The program prepares students for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, high-demand careers.
“In carpentry class, you learn to use tools, repair things, and make things on your own. You can see the ideas you have in your mind come to life and take pride in the results,” Daniels said. “And it’s not just for people who want to make it a career. These are good skills to have, whether you’re a homeowner or just want to learn to make things with your hands.”
The Little Free Library is a labor of love by LCS construction students.
Heritage High students Caiden Cash and Ronald Black installed the finished product in front of the LCS school administration building. Daniels helped them dig a hole, insert the box, mix a cement foundation, and add reinforcements. Afterward, they stood back and examined their work with satisfaction, picturing the books that would soon fill its shelves and the people who would read them.
“This project has been a chance for students to see the importance of community outreach. It creates a positive touchpoint outside of the admin building and connects people to our schools as they pass by,” Daniels said.
You can see their handiwork at 915 Court Street. You might even find your next read…or leave a book someone else will love.
