Child starts youth library

HERITAGE HARBOUR — When 9-year-old Isabella Pasquale moved to Heritage Harbour last summer, she heard it had a community library.

An avid reader, Isabella couldn’t wait to see what children’s books were available.

“I looked forward to it,” Isabella said. “But I didn’t find any.”

Instead of walking away disappointed, Isabella chose to do something about it. She decided to open a children’s library.

With approvals from the recreation center management, Isabella and her mother, Margurite, last week donated a few dozen of Isabella’s old books to start the “Kids’ Corner,” as designated by a handmade sign Isabella created for the children’s book section. Most of the books were written for girls — series such as “American Girl” and “Rainbow Magic.”

But Isabella and her mom made a special trip to the bookstore this month with a $100 donation by Joey D’s Chicago Style Eatery and Pizzeria in hand. The pair purchased more books for the library, choosing titles such as “Diaries of a Wimpy Kid,” and others they felt would span genders and a range of ages.

“I think it’s important because I really like to read,” Isabella said. “When I’m bored, I try to find something to do. Some of these books — they have facts. I didn’t know anything and now I know a lot.”

The library operates on an honor system, so children can borrow books from it, as desired.

Margurite Pasquale said she hopes other families will contribute books to the library, or others will make financial contributions so more books can be purchased for it.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].