Libraries nurture learning.
Recently, two mini libraries upcycled from election signs benefitted the future careers of two Scarborough teens and will soon help to foster a love of reading in young children.
It began when Alison Canning contemplated her garage full of past election signs.
Jeff Canning, Alison’s husband, had signs from his 2016 Etobicoke councillor byelection bid. Then in 2018, Alison ran for Toronto Catholic Ward 1 school trustee. More election signs.
“Seeing the environmental impact, I know we each have a responsibility, big or small,” Canning said. “As adults, I believe we have a role to help youth utilize their skills, learn from us and take ownership of their education and of the environment.”
Education is the cornerstone of Canning’s non-profit, which aims to make learning equitable and education accessible.
Let’s Get Together! creates student-led initiatives that inspire youth connections and mentorship opportunities while helping parents understand today’s challenges to best support their child.
Canning conceived the mini libraries while working with Scarborough teens Maggie Hou and Ivy Zou, both 18, who were applying to Ryerson University’s architecture program.
Ivy Zou, 18, a Scarborough resident studying interior design at Ryerson, with her castle mini library she created out of old election signs, which has been donated to Ernestine's Women's Shelter. — Ivy Zou photo
“I think it’s a really good idea,” Zou said. “Since the signs are waterproof and very structural, it’s a very good material for building a small-scale project.”
Community book donations filled the mini libraries.
Zou designed a pastel-painted castle that resembles a tower.
“When I was brainstorming and thinking on the idea of encouraging children to read, like Maggie, I thought of fantasy,” said Zou, who switched gears from architecture and is now in Ryerson’s interior design program. “When I was little, I always loved watching Disney princess movies. There was always a castle in every single movie. It really spoke to me.”
Canning had also connected the two teens with architect friend Jay Lim, founder of 25:8 Architecture + Urban Design and an adjunct professor at Carleton University.
Lim suggested Zou’s castle store heavier books at its base to avoid tipping.
Recently, Canning donated Zou’s castle mini library to Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter in north Etobicoke.
“I hope it encourages the kids to read,” Zou said. “Based on my childhood memories, I hope the castle becomes a place where they make happy memories. I really hope they feel it’s magical.”
Alison Canning, executive director of Let's Get Together!, right, presents a mini library tower made with recycled election signs to Khadija Kathy Ali, engagement and volunteers co-ordinator with Ernestine's Women's Shelter. — Dan Pearce/Metroland
“The kids are really going to love it,” said Khadija Kathy Ali, Ernestine’s engagement and volunteers co-ordinator. “They love the castle in our child and youth room.”
Currently, Ernestine’s is home to three new babies, 10 toddlers and older children. Ernestine’s supports another 600 women and children through outreach programs across the Greater Toronto Area.
“We’re always full,” Ali said of Ernestine’s. “People don’t realize we have more children at the shelter than we do women. The education piece is key for us.”
Maggie Hou, 18, a Scarborough resident studying architecture at Ryerson University, with her treasure chest mini library she created out of old election signs. Its future home is pending. — Maggie Hou photo
Hou designed her mini library as a treasure chest. Its recipient is pending.
“I was thinking of different symbols of childhood, things that interested me at the time, like a school bus, a rocket ship, a treasure chest,” said Hou, in her first year of architecture at Ryerson. “I settled on a treasure chest because of the idea of a dragon protecting its treasure chest full of gold. It’s a universal symbol of fantasy and of childhood.”
Architect Lim suggested she build in a seat - which she did.
“I thought Jay’s idea of a seat was very clever,” Hou said. “It’s a place for children to not only share books, but to spend time with the treasure chest. It makes it an interactive experience.”
Hou’s hope for her treasure chest: “I hope our mini libraries help make children happy.”
Canning hopes the mini libraries inspire others.
She urged anyone interested in repurposing their signs into chalkboards, mini libraries, bird houses or outdoor games to email her at info@letsgettogether.ca.
STORY BEHIND THE STORY: Reporter Tamara Shephard wanted to explore how a non-profit's mini library project benefits children in the community and the teens who designed them.