In a unique blend of literature and nostalgia, a new initiative in Flagstaff has transformed classic British telephone booths into tiny libraries. These vibrant red booths, sporting regal crowns, have begun to dot the cityscape, attracting locals and city officials alike to their recent unveiling near the downtown train station.
This project, aimed at establishing nearly a dozen such libraries across the city, is the vision of Jake Bacon, a well-known photographer for the Arizona Daily Sun. Bacon’s passion for literacy, rooted in his academic background in elementary education, has driven this initiative. “Literacy is really important to me. I have a family of readers,” Bacon shared. “Seeing the city work together to make this a reality and overcome challenges has just been really inspiring and I’m just very grateful to the City of Flagstaff for all they’ve done to make this a reality.”
Bacon has been in collaboration with the city for seven years, initially installing the first two libraries in front of his own residence. “Ironically, the two that are in front of my home, I spend the least time on,” he humorously noted. “They have been fully adopted by the community.”
Having resided in Flagstaff for decades, Bacon’s British roots are reflected in his choice of the iconic phone booths, which he has sourced from various locations across the country, including Texas. He envisions a growing network of these tiny libraries, encouraging community involvement in their upkeep and use.
Throughout his 30-year career in community journalism, Arizona Daily Sun Chief Photographer Jake Bacon has captured the essence of life in northern Arizona, and now, through these tiny libraries, he aims to capture the community’s heart as well.
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