April Ager-White had a longstanding vision of establishing a free little library showcasing books penned by Indigenous authors near her residence, a dream she harbored for over ten years. Recently, when her acquaintances in a local community collective got wind of her aspiration, they rallied to bring it to fruition in time for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this year.
With the group’s assistance, Ager-White acquired a little library box and a stack of fresh Indigenous-authored books, which she promptly set up at the periphery of her front yard in east London on September 28. However, just four days later, the library vanished, leaving Ager-White disheartened and incredulous.
Expressing her dismay, Ager-White, a member of Oneida Nation of the Thames, acknowledged feeling a mix of anger and sadness at the disappearance. Despite hoping the act was not racially motivated, she found it hard to believe otherwise, given that other free libraries in the city remain untouched.
The purple-painted wooden library box, adorned with Indigenous stickers and symbolizing the Haudenosaunee, contained over $500 worth of new books by Indigenous writers, courtesy of the local non-profit organization Fairy Godparents London & Area. Alongside a selection of her personal books, the library housed a variety of novels and children’s picture books by authors representing different Indigenous nations across Canada.
Witnessing the community’s enthusiastic engagement with the library in its initial days brought Ager-White joy, as people exchanged books and delighted in the Indigenous-themed stickers and bookmarks within. Reflecting on her own challenging upbringing, Ager-White emphasized the significance of having access to literature that resonates with Indigenous experiences, a sentiment shared by London-based children’s book illustrator Bridget George, a member of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.
Regarding the theft of the library shortly after the national holiday, Ager-White highlighted the poignant timing, suggesting that such actions hinder progress in reconciliation efforts. George echoed this sentiment, expressing a hope that the incident stemmed from misunderstanding rather than malice, underscoring the challenges in addressing truth and reconciliation.
While Ager-White remained optimistic about the library’s return and refrained from filing a police report, plans were already underway to replace it, with Fairy Godparents London & Area initiating fundraising efforts to procure a new box and books. Undeterred by the setback, Ager-White vowed to persist in sharing Indigenous stories, emphasizing the importance of amplifying these narratives for broader audiences.