Readers may remember an article from earlier this year about the Square Bay Little Library (or Book Bin) at 9838 Truman Rd. The Little Library was severely damaged when a truck lost control on the Truman Road S-curve during a snowstorm in February of this year.
The Little Library was a passion project and gesture of love of their neighbourhood (and one another) for the Rozewicz family. John Rozewicz built the original Square Bay Little Library entirely on his own over four years ago and included the family piano.
Efforts to rebuild started as soon as the ice melted off the road. After the accident, with the structure in pieces and hanging like a treehouse, neighbours came together to salvage what they could. One came with a small excavator and they hoisted the piano out and onto a truck safely. The original structure collapsed and broke into pieces while trying to remove it from the trees where it had been hanging.
There is good news though, the Little Library is back in business! I was lucky to stop by, take a pause and enjoy the oasis they’ve built back. John and Karen are out of town but daughter Alysia Rozewicz was kind enough to take the time to tell me about the journey to get here.
The structure has been completely rebuilt from the foundation up, with cherry hardwood walls, a chandelier from Alysia’s own bedroom, a peaked roof and beautiful driftwood accents. My favorite detail is the gorgeous vertical window next to the reading chair, allowing you to look down into the trees. It’s details like this that John dreamed up that made his family ask, “You want to do what now?!” ​John used, or reused, as much material as he could find to repurpose. They did receive some donations from the GoFundMe that was set up but as it happens ended up spending out of pocket too.
Alysia painted a beautiful heron on the front door, similar to other pieces she has painted throughout their property. Her boyfriend Josh was able to install all of the siding, something he does professionally (and you can tell). They also moved the structure further back and changed its orientation to the road hoping it will stay safer this winter.
Alysia said they still find pieces of the truck that originally hit the library, with more debris coming off when they removed it. She teased the idea of gluing them together and creating an art piece in remembrance.
Past and present versions of the Little Library, and the Rozewicz’s, have had great support from friends and neighbours, many stopping by and helping clean up, offering words of encouragement and thanks in person and online. One neighbour said of John, “He is the kind of neighbour you need. He’s kind, interesting, creative and always has your back. With him around you’ll never get bored.” I recommend you should stop by, read a book, give a book or play the piano. It really is so special and if you’re lucky enough and John is around, you may even get the “John Tour.”
Other upcoming events coming up include a local celebration for BC Trail Day. On June 7, you can join local volunteers from the HBCA for “Loving our Trails Day.” Volunteers will be leading easy hikes through the Welcome Woods trails starting from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Connor Park.
Also through the HBCA this month, we have the Ivy League Pull at Coopers Green Lagoon. Thursday June 19 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. volunteers can work together to help manage the invasive English Ivy. There will also be a bonus opportunity to partake in an Ivy Wreath making workshop that afternoon from 12:30-2 p.m. Space is limited so please register via [email protected].
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you have any upcoming events to be featured or want to connect about all things happening in Halfmoon Bay. Kyla Trethewey, columnist and Halfmoon Bay Firefighter #36.
