Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Dora, Super Submarines and the Best Rainy Day Book Ever!


Hello Friends!  I'm so thrilled to report that books are flying off of Skookum's shelf.  Lucky for us, this afternoon I arrived back from an errand to find a large bag filled with children's books at my door.  A big thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Dace for their generous donation of reading material.  We have a special relationship with the Daces as Mr. Jeremy Dace built Skookum and frequently checks up on him to make sure he's okay!  If you're interested in donating more than 3 books to our little library, please feel free to contact me.

I'd also like to welcome Skookum's new visitors!  A big hello to Miss Maleah, Miss Kylee, and their mother!  We hope you enjoy your books!


Have a great day and read!

Cheers,

Jacqueline

Monday, June 23, 2014

Caring for Your Little Library: Roofing


Launching Skookum in the winter of last year was a challenge! British Columbia's weather tends to be cloudy with a chance of meatballs but the harsh climate is a good test for building materials and finishes. I originally used Thompson's WaterSeal (tinted Oak) for the cedar shingles; however, after six months of rain and snow the integrity and look of our roof diminished. Honestly, I was a bit disappointed. So, I picked up my handy dandy notebook and hunted around the tool shed for another product to use. This is what I found:


I prepped the shingles by cleaning them off with a thick nylon brush. I know that the prepping process typically requires a much more intensive cleaning and for those interested in learning more about the care of cedar shakes click here! I then applied a couple of coats of Varathane (clear satin finish) to the shingles. While sealing the roof, I kept thinking about master carpenter Norm Abram from This Old House reminding homeowners to "brush with the grain of the wood." Thanks Norm!

In the image below, the left side of the roof has been sealed with Varathane and the right side is how the roof appears with no sealant.


Once dried, the Varathane leaves a slight sheen to the roof:


I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this product preserves the colour and durability of the shingles. During my Kickstarter campaign, I received several comments and words of advice about roofing the structure. Those librarians living in harsher climates all recommended shingling the roof and I am glad we did. I thought about using vinyl shingles but purchasing such a small quantity is difficult.

If you have roofing suggestions for these little structures, please share!

Cheers,

Jacqueline

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Rivers, Cars, Mittens, and Skookum's Summer Reading Challenge!


Hello Friends! Thank you for your donations! Over the past couple of weeks, we've received great additions to Skookum's library. I've included a few in this bunch! For adults, we have authors Block, Rivers, Ryan, and Wilson. For children, we have both English and French titles! Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder will enjoy "A Little House Sampler."


We've also included a few board books including Thomas the Train, Birthday Monsters, and Teeth, Tails & Tentacles!


And of course Archie, Jughead, and Betty & Veronica comic books!


We've also launched our first annual Skookum Reads! Summer Reading Challenge! You can download the log here or come by Skookum and pick one up. I've printed up a few and placed them in the green pail. We've been reading a few books every evening and are up to 24!


We've also welcomed several first time visitors to Skookum! A big hello to Mister Thomas, Miss Vanessa, Miss Natalia, and Miss Priscilla! We are thrilled that you visited our little library and we hope that you enjoy your books!




Hope you have a great day and enjoy the sunshine with a good book!

Cheers,

Jacqueline


Sunday, June 15, 2014

Skookum Reads! Summer Reading Challenge

Skookum Reads! Little Free Library
Summer Reading Challenge

We’re launching our first annual Skookum Reads! Summer Reading Challenge for Kids!  
Your goal is to read or have an adult read to you 100 books by August 31st!  
I know it sounds like a lot but I know you can do it!  
Need inspiration? This 10-year-old read 487 books last summer. Amazing.
Download Skookum Reads! Summer Reading Challenge Log to keep a record of your progress.
Complete this feat and I’ll fill Skookum with lots of treats!

Cheers!
Jacqueline

Image provided by Cécile Graat.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

The Cat in the Hat, Time for Bed & Bully Trouble


Hello Friends! Great to see so many visitors at Skookum's Little Library over the weekend. I've added several new books including The Cat in the Hat, Down at the Seaweed Cafe, Cam Jansen, and Who Drives This? And for adults, I have included Custody of the State, Hunting Unicorns, The Firebrand, and Families of the Vine (for all you winemaking enthusiasts!). Thank you to the United Way & The Bookman for their donations!


A big hello to Miss Dakota! Thank you for visiting Skookum and we hope you enjoy your books! Keep reading!

FYI! The Bookman is running the Citrus-y Literacy campaign to support the Chilliwack Learning Community Society. Learn more about this fantastic initiative here or watch the video below!



Cheers!

Jacqueline