Little Free Library comes to Stockdale thanks to local student

Shady Side Academy freshman Brooke Henderson had the little library installed.

For the MVI

At just 15 years old, Brooke Henderson, a freshman at Shady Side Academy, is already making a lasting impact on her hometown of Stockdale. Known for her athletic prowess on the tennis court, Henderson is now being recognized for her community spirit and love of reading through the installation of a brand-new Little Free Library in the heart of Stockdale.

The small, handcrafted book-sharing box—painted in bright colors and nestled near the town’s community center—invites residents to “Take a Book, Leave a Book,” promoting literacy and neighborly connection. Henderson, who is passionate about books and education, spearheaded the project as a way to give back to the town that raised her.

“I wanted to do something meaningful for Stockdale,” Henderson said. “Reading has always been a big part of my life, and I thought this would be a great way to share that with others.”

The project was inspired by the global Little Free Library movement, which aims to expand book access and foster community through free, public book exchanges. Henderson designed and built the library with help from her family and local volunteers, sourcing books from donations and her own collection.

This is in addition to co-chairing the Stockdale Sparkle Holliday event last November. This was the inaugural holiday event for the small borough, that has led to additional community events such as the July Block Party.

In addition to her strong academic and community efforts, Henderson is also making waves in athletics. She and her doubles partner, Alex Merkel, recently earned runner- up honors at the WPIAL Class 3A tennis tournament, representing Shady Side Academy with pride.

She is the daughter of Matt and Bethany Henderson, Stockdale, granddaughter or Karl and Dottie Henderson, Eighty Four and Michael and Beverly Fedutes of Perryopolis.

Stockdale residents have already begun to embrace the new library, with children and adults alike stopping by to browse the shelves. Henderson hopes the project will inspire others to start similar initiatives in their neighborhoods.

“This is just the beginning,” she said. “I’d love to see more Little Free Libraries pop up around the Mon Valley. I am even thinking about starting a Little Free Library Creation Club at School.”