In the summer of 2020, Ellyn Honey opened a Little Free Library (LFL) filled with books for sharing in the parking lot of Honey Spas in Mohnton, where she works as operations manager. Now Honey's LFL has gained national attention by being one of 150 LFLs that were chosen to receive copies of the "Good Morning America" Book Club Pick for January.

Honey's book exchange box was seen along with several other LFLs on the Jan. 4 episode of "Good Morning America," which included a story about the LFL organization and the unveiling of the Book Club Pick, "The Maid" by Nita Prose. The segment also featured an appearance by the author.

Honey learned about the show and the book club promotion from the LFL organization, which suggested that she apply for the recognition since her library was chosen as a Library of Distinction in July of 2020. According to the award certificate, the library was recognized for "its unique design, creative outreach to friends and neighbors and the enthusiasm of its stewards and patrons." "I sent a photo when I registered. Because my library was unique, they gave me a Library of Distinction award," Honey said.

Honey applied to receive the free books from "Good Morning America," not realizing that a photo of her library would be included in the news piece. "They told us the episode would be airing and maybe (our) library would be featured," she shared. "My husband recorded the episode and then it appeared. I stopped the video and took a photo."

So far, Honey has received one copy of "The Maid" that she included in the book box. "I received one book so far and we're told the second copy for us to read and then pass on (will arrive soon)," she said.

Honey's LFL located at 3226 Morgantown Road, Mohnton, is filled with free books for adults, youths and children. As part of the LFL program, local residents are invited to take a book or donate a book. Each book in Honey's library is labeled, "Always a Gift. Never for Sale." There is also a guest book located inside the box that visitors may sign. Visitors to the box may also find special giveaways like homemade bookmarks.

The library structure was inspired by Honey's hobbies of glass fusing and painting. It is decorated with paintings of grass and flowers, a dinosaur, a rainbow and a bookworm. On the back, there is a scene painted with children in mind that includes a rocket and a spaceship complete with aliens. The box is also decorated with a glass bookworm panel that Honey created. Honey is currently having a bookworm made by a crafter, and the public will have an opportunity to name him as part of a contest.

As the library steward, Honey rotates the books inside the box on a regular basis so that frequent visitors will always have a selection of books to choose from. "There is always something good to read," she said.

The book box has been registered as "Ellyn Honey's Little Free Library #99929" at http://www.littlefreelibrary.org. For more information about Honey's LFL, visit http://www.facebook.com/EllynHoneysLFL99929. A link to the "Good Morning America" segment can be found in a Facebook post dated Jan. 4.