Washington Capitals get it right with free little library

The Washington Capitals look to encourage more reading across the DMV, especially among the youth. The Caps launched a free little library book sharing box located in the lobby at MedStar Capitals Iceplex, the team practice facility and headquarters.

The library features various hockey titles as well as hand picked favorites by select Capitals players. It also includes titles written by Capitals alumni. It includes books for all age ranges as part of the Caps in School program.

Fans are encouraged to take books from the library with the knowledge that the book does not need to be returned. But to keep the little free library stocked, fans are encouraged to share books in the kiosk each time they take one.

The Capitals Little Free Library was painted by local Washington, D.C. artist Taylor Kampa Olson. Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that expands book access for all through a network of volunteer led Little Free Libraries.

There are more than 150,000 registered LFL book sharing boxes worldwide in all 50 states, 115 countries and seven continents. Over 300 million books have been shared since 2009.

The Capitals are the first NHL team to launch a Little Free Library. It is an extension of the Caps in School Reading Program, which is designed to encourage students to add more reading to their daily activity.

For more information on LFL, click here. To learn more about Caps in School, click here.

Hockey titles included:

As Fast As Her: Dream Big, Break Barriers, Achieve Success by Kendall CoyneGame Change: The Life and Death of Steve Montador, and the Future of Hockey by Ken DrydenThe Bulliest Dozer by Capitals alumnus Eric FehrDare to Make History: Chasing a Dream and Fighting for Equity by Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-MorandoHockey Moms: The Heart of the Game by Theresa Bailey and Terry MarcotteThe Unforgettable Story of Hockey’s Forgotten 60-Goal Man by Capitals alumnus Dennis MarukHockey’s Hidden Gods: The Untold Story of a Paralympic Miracle on Ice by S.C. MegaleZ is for Zamboni: A Hockey Alphabet by Matt NapierNHL Mascots and Friends by Holly Preston100 Things Capitals Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die: Stanley Cup Edition by Capitals radio host Ben Raby, featuring foreword by Capitals alumnus Craig LaughlinBrady Brady: All-Star Hockey Collection by Mary ShawFIGHTER: Defying the NHL Odds by Capitals alumnus Aaron VolpattiHockey is for Everybody: Anthony’s Goal by Anthony Walsh

This is really cool seeing the Capitals do this. It makes me want to pick up more books as we speak! Next time you attend a Capitals practice or morning skate, the Little Free Library should be a neat destination.