Little Free Library welcomes readers in East Franklin
PHIL CAMPBELL — Eleven-year-old Aiden Hall is an avid reader, but he doesn’t just want to read books. He also wants to share them, and the way he decided to do that is through a Little Free Library he put together and placed in his community.
It’s located about half a mile past East Franklin Junior High School at Poplar Road off Highway 89 at the roadside.
The idea is simple – take a book or leave a book, or both. For those who don’t have a book to leave, it’s OK to take a book. It can either be kept, returned, given to someone else, or placed in another Little Free Library.
Aiden said he hopes the project encourages kids to spend more time with books. He and his father assembled the library from a kit they ordered online. Aiden said it took around 15 minutes.
Jeremy Hall said Aiden took the lead on the project.
“When we received the kit to build the library, he put it together by himself. All I did was guide him a little bit along the way,” Jeremy said. “I’m very proud of him.”
Aiden picked out a few special titles to make the launch weekend memorable.
“We put some Fourth of July books in there, as well as a few sports books,” he said.
Latasha Hall, Aiden’s mother, said the idea grew from her son’s own overflowing bookshelves.
“Aiden has a pretty large collection he’s enjoyed through the years,” she said. “He wanted to share that with the community. We sat down, researched, and found a kit we could put together. We never really expected this much support. It’s been amazing.”
She said giving back isn’t new for her son.
“A few years ago, he had an idea to set up a lemonade stand in our front yard that he planned himself. It was in the heat of the summer,” she said. “He invited the entire community to come by our house that day and get lemonade.
“He took the money that was raised and donated it all to St. Jude for childhood cancer research,” Latasha said. “He has a very big heart. We are extremely blessed.”
Aiden shared how he felt to see the reactions people were having after his mother posted about the Little Free Library online, calling it “exciting” to see the enthusiasm grow so quickly “I felt good because I knew a lot of people would see it and share it with others,” he said.
The little library drew interest right away. Neighbors donated around a dozen books in the first few days to help keep it stocked.
The Halls plan to maintain it regularly and have already added a flower bed.
Aiden’s friend, Chance Edmonds, called it “very thoughtful” project and said he hopes “everyone treats it with respect.”
Tori Stancil, who lives in the East Franklin community, said she is thrilled to see Aiden’s idea become reality.
“I am beyond excited and proud of Aiden for coming up with the idea for this free library and pursuing it on his own initiative,” Stancil said.
She said her own children are eager to visit and see how it works.
“We have two young children that will be so excited to be able to drive down the road and experience exchanging books for new reads and adventures.”
Leann Trapp, principal at East Franklin Junior High, praised Aiden’s commitment and the example he sets for others.
“I am so proud of Aiden for taking the initiative to create a roadside community library,” Trapp said. “His love of reading and desire to share that joy with others truly sets him apart.”
She also spoke about his broader character and what he represents to the school.
“He is not only an exceptional student academically but also a shining example of leadership, generosity and character. It’s inspiring to see a young person so committed to making a positive impact in their community.”
Russellville Public Library Director Joshlyn Bowen said she was impressed when she learned about the project.
“I have never met Aiden, but I know his family. They have always been a blessing to their community,” Bowen said. “His actions reflect leadership and love for his community.”
Bowen said she believes the project will inspire other young people.
She also spoke about the broader value of Little Free Libraries in small communities.
“I think Little Free Libraries are a beautiful way to bring people together and promote reading,” she said. “They’re simple but powerful, encouraging people to share, connect and explore new ideas.”
She added that these small exchanges can have big effects over time.
“Whether it’s a child discovering their first favorite book or an adult finding a story that speaks to them, these little boxes have a big impact.”
