Birdhouse Libraries

Victor James, Sr. was elected to the Capitol Heights Town Council on a platform of community engagement and constituent service earlier this year, and entered the Council alongside newcomers Anita Anderson, Amanda Anderson, and Ronald Williams.

(Photo: Councilmember Victor James in front of birdhouse library)

After overhearing his wife talking about a book club one day, he decided one of his first endeavors as a Councilman was his recent donation of three birdhouse libraries throughout the town to promote reading, sharing books with neighbors, and beautifying Capitol Heights.

What are birdhouse libraries?

Councilman James, describes them as “a free book-sharing box where anyone may take a book or share a book, functioning on the Honor System.”

“We feel it’s another way to generate Unity in the Community and although book sharing is caring, it’s not mandatory,” he added, "the three library boxes are located on Old Central Avenue, beside the Capitol Heights Town Hall; in London Woods, at the Intersection of Denise Drive and Banister Way; and in Windsor Valley, on Highview Place."

In his legislative proposal, he listed seven benefits of reading for children including improved brain function, expanded vocabulary, and stronger memory and writing skills, and he plans to add more of these little libraries to the area.

James encourages visitors to that area to feel free to borrow a book or drop off a book in one of these little libraries so this program can keep the knowledge flowing!

(PHOTO: Courtesy of Nash, picture of M.P. Nash standing near birdhouse library)

M.P. Nash is a resident in the Town of Capitol Heights and is pleased with the book sharing program. "I think these library books are incredibly important. There's so much we can learn from books, and having them in your own neighborhood is essential. Even simple, children's books are important. I think it's such a wasted thing when books are thrown into landfills to rot. Especially children's books. The ability to recycle books--free of charge--is such an essential part of community. Sharing resources and knowledge helps us grow as a community, even something just as small as a library nook," said M.P. Nash