My name is Stella Kakkanatt, and I am 13 years old. I’ve lived in Englewood Cliffs my whole life, and I really love our town. As someone who enjoys reading, learning, and spending time outdoors, I would like to propose something simple but meaningful for our community: a Little Free Library in Johnson Park.

A Little Free Library is a small book-sharing box that works on the idea of “Take a Book, Leave a Book.” It’s free, open to everyone, and has been used in neighborhoods all over the world to share books, promote literacy, and bring people together.

Right now, Englewood Cliffs doesn’t have a public library. And while many families in town are lucky enough to have books at home or buy new ones, not everyone does — and even for those who do, a Little Free Library offers something special: a chance to connect, explore new ideas, and build a culture of sharing and learning right in our park. And it's screen-free!

Here’s why I believe this is a great idea:

• It promotes literacy and learning.
  Research shows that simply growing up with books around you helps you do better in school — even more than your parents’ jobs or income. (Evans et al., 2010). Kids who read more develop stronger vocabularies, better focus, and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
• It strengthens community connections.
  According to the official Little Free Library nonprofit, 73% of library stewards say their library helped bring their neighbors closer together, and 92% said it had a positive impact on their neighborhood. A Little Free Library becomes a place where people slow down, share, and interact.
• It’s low-cost, low-maintenance, and high-impact.
  My family and I will take care of all the building and fundraising. We’re not asking the town for money — only for permission and help with finding a spot at Johnson Park. We plan to maintain the library ourselves and create a small club to keep it going even after I grow up.
•  Johnson Park is the perfect place.
  It was just renovated, and already brings people together to play, walk, and relax. A Little Free Library would be a perfect addition — a quiet corner of curiosity and kindness that reflects the spirit of our town.

I hope you'll support my dream of making reading more accessible and joyful for everyone in Englewood Cliffs. Please sign this petition to show your support and help bring a Little Free Library to life in Johnson Park!