Palmer Ave Memorial Garden and Little Library

05/05/2026

As you know my neighbors Nate and Monica moved into a new beautiful home they’ve built last week; well we had a bright and warm weekend here in Kansas City so I was able to meet my new neighbors while we were outside enjoying the gorgeous May sunshine! She mentioned how much she loves to read, and it got me thinking… reading really is woven into the heart of our little Palmer community.

From my (now former!) neighbor, Nate, who runs one of the most entertaining book reviews on Instagram.. Seriously! His detailed descriptions make every thriller and spooky read even more fun! So if you like that kind of stuff go give him a follow! 📖 Ndhoover

To another sweet neighbor who shares the cutest, coziest book content (and all the trendy, aesthetic vibes we love)… we are lucky to have so many readers right here on our street providing us with great recommendations and resources!
🍸kc.literarybar

And it doesn’t stop there. 👆🏼her sister owns an adorable bookshop in Weston, MO, just about a 30-minute drive away. If you’ve never explored Weston, it’s absolutely worth the trip (and a perfect excuse to pick up your next read!).
☕️ Bookshophappyendings

To my now, newest neighbor, who is on Goodreads, so there’s yet another place to find inspiration and recommendations!
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/127818498

All of this just reminds me how powerful books are at connecting us and how our Little Library is just one small piece of a much bigger, beautiful reading community right here on Palmer!

And if you ever need a sweet little treat while you read, or not wanting to show up empty-handed to your next book club, it would be a great disservice to you if I didn’t encourage you to go follow Monica at 🍪 Pantrytoporchkc

If you’ve got a favorite book, review page, or local book spot, share it below! Let’s keep the love of reading growing 💛

05/01/2026

It’s hard to put into words what feels like saying goodbye to neighbors who became so much more than that.

From day one, Monica and Nate poured so much kindness into this little corner of our lives. When I had the simple dream of a little library, she didn’t just cheer me on—she helped make it happen by connecting with her father-in-law, who built our beautiful little library with such care.

That library was meant to be a memorial for my mother-in-law, and overtime I wanted it to be a place where all of us could slow down for a moment, reflect, and find joy. But now it also stands as a reminder of the kind of people they are: thoughtful, generous, and always willing to give.

Over the years, their home became a safe and happy place for so many of our kids, a place where they could show up just as they are. Whether it was sharing a treat, learning something new in the kitchen with Monica, or just sitting and talking about their day; Nate and Monica made space for all of it. And both of them took the time to truly see and know these kids as they’ve grown.

They’ve been part of countless little moments that added up to something really big: community, connection, and love.

As avid readers, it felt only fitting to send them off with a book of their very own—a story about the impact they’ve had, the memories they’ve helped create, and the chapter they’ll always hold in our lives.

The Little Library thanks you immensely and sends you only the best wishes in this next chapter. 📚

04/27/2026

My children are far beyond kindergarten, but I thought this was such a sweet, gentle reminder to all the mamas out there with little ones (or big ones!); this can translate to so many aspects of motherhood/childhood.

My kids were, and are, so vastly different and there were many times I felt like I was failing them as their mother because they weren’t doing what each other did at certain stages or what some of their peers may have been doing.

Still to this day I have to remind myself that this is their journey, their path, and they will get to where they need to be when the time is right for them. I just have to continue showing up and supporting them in the ways they need it. My job is be a guiding light. Just a kind reminder on this Monday, that you and your babies are doing a fantastic job! Keep up the good work. 🫶🏼

04/22/2026

Fairy doors open where imagination grows🧚 I took twigs from my garden clean up, pine cones I found on a walk, stones from my yard, and leftover moss and rope from old projects to piece together this whimsical little fairy garden! I planted some seeds in the soil and will patiently wait for it to grow!

Celebrate Earth Day by getting outside, gathering nature’s treasures, and building something magical of your own! 🌿

03/13/2026

Ready to Unplug? March 6-7 marks the 17th annual Global Day of Unplugging. So trade your screen time for story time. Use this special edition of LFL Bingo Card, and get out in the neighborhood this weekend!

Ready to Unplug? March 6-7 marks the 17th annual Global Day of Unplugging, and we've teamed up to help you trade screen time for story time. Downloading this special edition of LFL Bingo, and get out in your neighborhood this weekend!

03/10/2026

As I was doing a little spring cleaning in the flower bed today I stumbled upon something itty bitty that stopped me in my tracks 🐾. Some exciting!, but worthy of a little concern, news. The Little Library has its first little nest of baby bunnies! 🐰

The concerning news is we recently had an adult bunny hit by a car on our street. 😢 I’m praying it wasn’t their mother. I’m a HUGE animal lover so finding a nest of bunnies gives me all the warm fuzzies 🥰 but with a lot of love also comes responsibility, so I called a Wildlife Sanctuary and they filled me in on some proper steps to follow. I’ve placed a little tic-tac toe design over the nest to see if mom comes by to feed them. As you share in my excitement, please don’t disturb them! It’s our responsibility to look after their wellbeing if mom does not return. We’ll get them to a sanctuary where they’ll get the proper care they need. ❤️‍🩹 Let’s hop to it!

🐰Cottontails are being found Everywhere ! Here, pictures are examples to protect the bunny nest for 14days before they move along. Letting mama IN to feed while keeping predators OUT. You may never see mama she’s like a stealthy ninja 🥷 Only feeding twice a day, not being seen. And if you are still worried if she’s coming by - apply this technique - place flour or sticks around the baby nest and if disturbed you know she’s come by!

Thank you Wildsouls wildlife rescue

02/23/2026

Looking for something free and entertaining to do with your little one this week? This Wednesday the Coterie Theater will be at the Woodneath Library performing My Stuffie and Me! 🧸

 Head over to their website to register for the event! 

https://www.mymcpl.org/events/114649/coterie-theatre-performs-my-stuffie-and-me

02/04/2026

These were just too cute, I couldn’t help myself! It’s giving me all the warm weather and sunshiny feels! 🦋

Reaching February has gotten me excited for the colors of spring ahead! Here soon I’ll begin starting some seeds indoors to transplant out after our last frost and I may even plant some seeds out by the library which can tolerate the cold!🌷

Speaking of Library and February, the new books for the month are out! 💕 Feel free to swing by!

01/07/2026

How did you finish out 2025? I ended the year feeling connected.

Connected to my kids and my husband— enjoying slow mornings, unhurried days of Christmas Break, and the kind of free time that lets us truly be together and be unapologeticly ourselves.

Connected to family and friends — those constants throughout my life who remind me what truly matters.

Connected to myself — knowing what aligns with my values and what no longer serves me or my family.

As we step into the new year, my hope is to carry that connection forward — to nurture inner well-being, care, and a deeper sense of presence with the people and moments that matter most.

So how about you — how did you finish the year, and what are you hoping to find more of in the next? 💫

12/09/2025

Wow! I am so late with my Christmas post! We were in 🌵Arizona🌞 for Thanksgiving and then came back to ❄️freezing⛄️ cold temps here in KC! But I’ve finally got some Christmas decor up and festive books out in the library! From my family to yours, wishing you all the magic and joy of the holidays and hoping that you find a cheery book to keep your holiday spirit alive and well! ✨