Our Spotlight on the Arts for November 2024 shines brightly on local artist Kelly Nahaj! Kelly recently brought the Little Free Library to Nicolet Park (Lexington Park, Maryland)!
Tell us about the Little Free Library program!
Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through volunteer-led book exchange boxes. Their vision is a Little Free Library in every community and a book for every reader!
For the past two years, I have lived near Charlotte, NC where Little Free Libraries are popping up everywhere! After seeing the benefit of having access to books right in your neighborhood, I knew I wanted to build my own.
Lexington Park Library handed me my first library card. That library card led me to worlds of adventure. I have lived years of adventure in other states, but St. Mary’s County will always be home. The Little Free Library is exactly where it needs to be at Nicolet Park, within the community where I was raised
Why did you select this location?
There are multiple neighborhoods that feed into Nicolet Park. Whether you drive, walk, or ride a bike, you can visit the park to play, slide, splash, skate, or ball. Now you can leave with a good read in hand. The hope is to foster a love of reading where kids, teens, and adults are excited to come back again and again!
Tell us about the recent Grand Opening on September 14th, 2024!
What a wonderful opportunity to meet members of our community. Surprisingly, my first visitor was a woman who owns a Little Free Library, too! She donated three bags of books to keep us well-stocked. I spoke with local artists, and families who were new to the area, stopped anyone passing by to share the news, and was thankful for every individual who walked away smiling.
The best part? Watching kids swing and read at the same time! We didn’t want the fun to end, so we headed over to Lancaster Park. With crates of books in hand, we were swarmed! Conversations were had about memorable childhood classics, cool characters, recommendations, and more. When asked if there would be a Little Free Library coming to Lancaster Park, my answer was maybe. We’ll see how it goes!
Share a bit about your creative process with the Little Free Library!
Knowing I was creating something for the community, it was a must that I collaborated with others. A social media poll proved purple paint was the perfect choice. The paint was mixed by a friend and rolled onto the library by my Dad. Feeling stuck sitting in front of a list of potential designs, several ideas flooded my mind. The decision to collage the sides came from what I call a “God download.” It is fitting that my Creator would remind me that I’ve been piecing things together since I was a child.
After printing covers of books that have left an impact on my life and others close to me, I had fun planning their placement. It was my husband who made them stick with a whole lot of mod podge. Then, as I watched my daughter and father drill the library down to the foundation post, I was overjoyed to see an idea come to life. I hope it inspires many more!
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
For me, words and pictures go together. Writing, photography, and storytelling are my absolute favorite art forms. With Lori Sides as my photography teacher at Great Mills High School, I fell in love with the darkroom and everything black and white. I have been writing since I could hold a pencil, and I plan on sharing stories forever. Mainly ones that make people feel more human and less alone.
Whatever is going on in my mind and heart turns into art. I often write in fragments. Photograph half a face. It’s kinda messy. Nonetheless, every piece is usable, valuable, and part of a much bigger story.
What are a few of your other interests or occupations outside of art?
Baking is therapeutic, and I can think of a hundred desserts that are made better with the addition of ice cream. Being near water is calming. I’m a fan of spending time in conversations that leave you feeling energized and inspired. I treasure moments with strangers, family, and friends.
Å special note from Kelly:
The Little Free Library is for everyone. And everyone is a reader. When you stop by, I hope you discover a good read that leaves you inspired. Go on an adventure. Learn about your history. Solve a mystery. Have a laugh. Root for romance. Reread the classics. Teach the next generation. Find yourself in the story of others. Discover a new perspective. Share your favorite read. Come back again!
Links of interest:
Little Free Library – https://littlefreelibrary.org/
Nicolet Park (Lexington Park, MD) – www.stmaryscountymd.gov/docs/nicoletpark.pdf