A vist to Kael’s Library

On an early morning walk to the bus stop on University Avenue, I happened to notice a green box attached to the fence. In the alleyway on Polk Avenue, between Wilson and 36th, I found one of our neighborhood's treasures...the "Kael Library."

Briefly I glanced at the contents of the box and noticed there were books and magazines placed on its wooden shelf. However, at that time I was in a bit of a hurry to catch the #7 bus and did not give it another thought. Upon returning home that evening, I slowed down and took a good look at this unpretentious green box. I asked the homeowners, the Selliers, to please tell me the story behind this "library.”

Mrs. Selliers says the idea came from her husband's belief that "everyone should be able to read." The Kael Library operates on the simple community principle of sharing. "If you want to read a book, take it and return it when you're done." Mrs. Selliers admits that the "return" of the books has been slow, but people still contribute."If you have a book to share, bring it and leave it for others."

The Kael Library was built and attached about a year ago and is open seven days a week. On my first day of discovering the it, there were three books on the shelf. Later, I noticed those books were "checked out" and some magazines had been donated.

On a few occasions, I have donated books and felt rewarded when I  later noticed they had been "checked out." I must admit, I am now curious about the Kael Library and often walk back to view the "new" releases.