Local Couple Brings ‘Little Free Library’ to Severna Park

Anne Arundel County schoolteachers Linda and Ryan McEvoy have always had a passion for reading.

During their combined 40 years of teaching they have educated countless numbers of students on the basics of reading. And now they are sharing their love of books with their entire community.

The Severna Park couple has installed a “Little Free Library” in front of their home in Holly Woods on the Severn. In simple terms, the library is a free little box where people can gather to read, borrow books, or share books with others.    

As I spoke with Ryan McEvoy about the “Little Free Library,” he shouted out to a neighbor who was currently browsing for a book. For the special education teacher, the library was just about giving back to the community.

“It was just a love of reading and teaching kids to read,” McEvoy said. “And just giving back to the community—there is nothing like turning a page in a book.”

McEvoy said his wife, a kindergarten teacher, first read about the library online and spent about two months signing up, joining the organization and building the actual library. The couple also installed a bench next to the library where people can sit and read.

With the ever-increasing popularity of Kindles and Nooks, McEvoy said he’s afraid reading a book is going to become a “lost art,” but he is hoping their library extends the concept for a little longer.

The McEvoy’s hosted a grand opening for the “Little Free Library” on Saturday with members of the community—all of whom seem anxious to borrow a book. 

For more information on the Little Free Library, visit its website.