A Bradenton woman is using a unique approach to encourage reading.
Jean Shoemaker has become a librarian of sorts and is making a difference at a small library that stands in her own front yard.
Shoemaker's small book-filled box that sits in the front of her home in the 1600 block of 18th Avenue is part of the worldwide organization "Little Free Library," which operates on the policy of "take a book, return a book."
There are more than 25,000 of these little libraries across the United States and 70 countries.
Shoemaker, retired after years of working in the medical field, including 16 years at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, was inspired by her 90-year-old father, who started his own library on his farm in Illinois.
In fact, when Jean started her library, her father made the trip to father to build her schoolhouse-shaped book holder.
"He wants to see every child be able to read at some point before they start kindergarten," Jean said of her father.
Jean said since starting the library she has gotten to know more of her neighbors and their children.
Recently, Jean received a note saying: "What a great and wonderful idea you have. God Bless you. To share with others: Books, knowledge, entertainment, the 18th Avenue Library!"
That was the day Shoemaker's library got its name.
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