Last week Riyan Goetze, age 9 and soon to be fourth-grader, had an idea for a project. She wrote a letter and took it to the Forks Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Center office. The letter said:

“I love school, cheer, my family and friends and writing stories. But I especially love reading and hiking. I have an idea to create a free little library for all ages. You take a book and leave a book, or either. My dad said he would build a box five feet high and weather proof. Don’t worry, it will have a little stepping stool for kids. It will hold 30 or more books for visitors and local people to pick from. I would also like my dad to build a little bench.”

Riyan’s letter went on to say she would like to place the Box of Books on the trail behind the Visitor Center with proper signage directing walkers and readers to the little library. She also said Riyan’s Box of Books would be listed on a little library website.

The Visitor Center/Forks Chamber thought the idea was fabulous but informed Riyan that she also would have to check with the City of Forks. So off to city hall she went, with her mother driving her, and there she got the OK.

Riyan says she has all materials and books donated and all costs are covered. She plans on checking the box once or twice a week to keep it stocked and keep the area clean around it. She is hoping local businesses might put a small sign in their window to help get the word out about the little library and maybe other little libraries might pop up around town, too.

Riyan said she wants to do this project on the trail because, “I want people to share my love of reading, get their imagination flowing, get people to exercise and hike and get people in touch with nature.”

Riyan’s Box of Books will have a grand opening/ribbon cutting ceremony at noon Saturday, Aug. 1, behind the Visitor Center, 1411 S. Forks Ave.