On June 16, neighbors gathered at our Highview home in Eagan for a joyful, community-centered celebration marking the launch of a refurbished Little Free Library. The event welcomed people served, volunteers, and staff for an hour of connection, conversation, and shared experiences.
The Little Free Library—donated by Little Free Library, a Minnesota-based nonprofit known for fostering literacy and community—has been thoughtfully refurbished and installed by our volunteers. The new library offers a wide variety of books, including stories featuring disabled characters and disability-related topics, helping create a more inclusive and representative reading experience for all.
The gathering itself reflected the spirit of the project: connecting people. Attendees enjoyed browsing books, playing yard games, and sharing treats, all while meeting neighbors—many for the very first time. A family from down the street came over and met the crew, even playing ring toss while sipping lemonade. Moments after they left the party their minivan rolled by with the four kiddos squealing excited hellos to their new friends from their booster seats. And another vehicle stopped over and offered a donation to purchase more books. The point was to unite community, and the event was a huge success.
Jenny Ackerley, Program Manager at Highview, says, “We’ve been in this neighborhood for 26 years and like many folks with disabilities, we don’t really know our neighbors. This little free library sparked an idea and opportunity to help bring us together, even if it’s an acknowledging wave while passing by or a quick hello. The people we support deserve and desire connection and I’m so thrilled that this has become a steppingstone to accomplishing that with them.”
“We had such a fun party today and met lots of neighbors for the first time!” said Kathy Anderson, Volunteer Program Manager. “It was definitely a success—sharing books, playing yard games, and enjoying treats. Everyone is grateful for the sense of community the Little Free Library brings. People who live and work at the home are looking forward to growing friendships.”
This program and volunteer led initiative began when Kathy approached the Highview home with the idea of installing a Little Free Library. The response was immediate enthusiasm, and the project quickly came to life through collaboration and shared vision.
The library is more than a place to exchange books—it’s a space designed to spark interaction, build relationships, and promote inclusion. By highlighting disability awareness and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement, the Little Free Library serves as a small but powerful hub for community connection.
As neighbors stopped by, browsed, and shared stories, the Highview Little Free Library stood as a reminder that sometimes the simplest ideas—like sharing a book—can bring people together in lasting and meaningful ways.
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