James Strait of Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania is finding his own way of spreading the joy of reading with the creation of the Point Pleasant Free Public Library. Located off River Road, the custom library offers a variety of titles to the local community for all ages. Strait built the small library using one-hundred-year-old repurposed shutters, recycled pallet slats, and a glass coke bottle handle, creating a “yesteryear” theme to pay homage of his simple beginnings as a woodworker in rural Missouri. Strait founded the library with his wife Sara in hope to “enhance the sense of community in Point Pleasant.”

“Community is harmony, we are heat to have each other’s back,” said Mr. Strait. “We especially like the idea of young readers becoming aware and visiting the library on a regular basis.”

Strait a father of four, grandfather of 11, great-grandfather of 10, and great-great-great uncle credits children as his “reason of being” and the library is available for people with a “relentless curiosity and a passion of learning.”

Strait credits books for having a major influence on his life, with his

mother as his original driving force. She read two to three books per day to him as a child, including: Mop Top by Don Freeman and Theodore Turtle by Ellen Mac Gregor. Strait is thankful his mother bestowed upon him this gift. Now with the start o

f the public library, Strait hopes to spread his mother’s gift to others.

“Reading enhances your framework, molds your mind, and begins to alter your mind to the world and beautiful ideals. Allowing you to open yourself to increased information and hinder your ignorance,” said Strait.

The library is located five meters off Strait’s large driveway off River Road, providing a large parking area to visitors passing by. Allowing patrons to browse the collection safely without the worry of oncoming traffic. With a “Take one – Leave One” policy to keep the inventory healthy. The system is no pressure, no issue, no judgment. If someone does not have a book, you may still take one; however, drop a book or two off the next time you pass by.