A West Seattle resident is now rebuilding more than just a book box after someone set her Little Free Library on fire.
Ellie Sandstrom shared the incident in the West Seattle Neighborhood Facebook group on Friday, April 10, posting a photo of the charred structure outside her home near 14th Avenue SW and SW Barton Street.
The image shows the charred wooden box mounted on a post, with several scorched books still visible inside.
“Is this my welcome to the neighborhood? Someone lit my little library on fire on Thursday night,” Sandstrom wrote in the post. “This could have started a larger fire, with more property damage.”
The post quickly gained traction, drawing more than 100 comments from neighbors reacting to the incident and offering support.
Among them was Mike Schweers, who stepped in with a direct offer to help rebuild. “Need help rebuilding?” he wrote.
Sandstrom responded that she had recently moved and no longer had access to many of her tools. “Yes please. I recently moved out of a marriage and had to leave many of my tools. Quick exit,” she wrote. “Trying to purchase another chop saw, etc. I’ll buy materials, if you have the tools.”
Schweers replied that he had the necessary equipment, including a compound miter saw, and was ready to assist.
Another neighbor, Randall Winn, also offered help, noting he passes by the library frequently. “That’s terrible! I think I walk by that spot every other day… and it’s very nice to look and see what’s new. Do you want help rebuilding?” he wrote.
Sandstrom said the response has reinforced her sense of community, even in the wake of the incident.
“I am a fan of neighbors and building community,” she wrote. “The little library was such a joyful addition to buying my new home recently. Other than the arson, I am loving our neighborhood.”
Little Free Libraries are small, community-run book exchanges typically installed in front yards or along sidewalks. Residents are encouraged to “take a book, leave a book,” creating a shared space for reading and connection.
Learn how to start your own at littlefreelibrary.org.
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