ST. LOUIS — A cherished Little Free Library in south St. Louis has been reduced to ashes in Bevo Mill.
The bookcase in the Sebilj of St. Louis park grounds on Gravois Avenue served as a beacon of literacy and community engagement for a decade.
Brenda Morrison, the driving force behind this initiative, found out on Friday when she scrolled across the burned case on Facebook. By Sunday she said the only thing left was a pole.
"What's the logic behind burning down Free Little Library, I don't see one," Morrison said.
Her labor of love was just one among many across the neighborhood and the nation, all aimed at inspiring readers and giving everyone access to literature.
"I put a post on Facebook and say I need some children's books and pretty soon my porch is full of them. I've never spent a dime on books," she said.
Despite the setback, Morrison remains resolute in her mission to foster a love for reading within the community.
"I come once a week and fill the cabinets so someone is reading out there and that's my goal. I have two kids and I always advocated reading," she said.
Morrison is already looking ahead, buoyed by the outpouring of support from the community. "I've had so many people support me on Facebook saying what do you need? You need money? You need help us build you a cabinet. I've got books to give you," she disclosed.
Morrison vows to rebuild and restore the little library that held so much significance for the community.
"I came and put a sign up yesterday between tears saying whoever lit the match, we and Bevo want you to know the Little Library is coming back," she said.
While Morrison did not report the incident to police, 5 On Your Side reached out to the St. Louis Fire Department but has not received a response.
To learn more about the Little Free Library project click here.