Acts of Kindness: Community helps with book shed

NEWPORT – After making do with an overcrowded book shed, the Friends of Pend Oreille County Library District received assistance from local businesses, government agencies and community members when they placed a bid for a 20’x10’ shed auctioned by Newport Hospital. The group had outgrown their previous shed, which made sorting and organizing book donations, challenging.

To prepare for additional costs beyond their bid, the not-for-profit Friends group contacted community partners with a list of questions before putting in a bid for the shed. The hospital required the shed’s removal within seven days. The Friends consulted with the City of Newport and the PUD regarding necessary permits or requirements.

Nancy and Geoffrey Thompson assisted by examining the shed and connecting Chris O’Brien, owner of The Shed Connection in Oldtown, with the Friends. O’Brien provided guidance and recommended Darren Purdy of 2D Shed Pros to transport the shed. Purdy responded promptly and managed the relocation process professionally.

A Friend volunteer contacted Nathan Weathers of Bluewater Services, a library advocate. Weathers agreed to relocate the smaller shed and prepare a crushed rock pad for the new one.

Kat Schutte, President of the Friends, noted the cooperative efforts of the Friend volunteers, the City of Newport, the PUD, business owners, and hospital contacts throughout the project, including moving books and coordinating logistics.

“This project was met with so many kindnesses and enthusiasm, it was meant to be,” Schutte said. “The Friends are grateful for lessons learned and the new connections made. Thank you to our expanded Friends and our Community for your continued support.”

The Friends of POCLD is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) established in 1976 that provides funding for programs, events and initiatives supporting the Pend Oreille County Library District’s mission to “connect our communities with opportunities to enrich lives through empowerment, lifelong learning, and recreation.” For more information, go to www.pocld.org/ friends-of-the-library.