'The kids loved it': Free Little Library stolen from Del City neighborhood
DEL CITY, Okla. (KFOR) — A book bandit is on the loose after stealing a Del City woman's library stand intended for the children that live nearby.
Kennedy Henry was celebrating her birthday when she came home Friday evening and realized someone stole her little library.
"I went to my birthday dinner. I left my house at 6:57, and by 7:11, it was gone," said Henry.
"I've always loved to read," said Henry. "I used to get in trouble by my mom for staying up late reading."
It's that passion and love that inspired Henry to place a little library stand outside of her home.
"There's an elementary school down the street, and the kids just walk by everyday," said Henry.
For months "Aunt Kennedy's Little Library" stand has supplied books for children in the area for free.
"They love it. They literally seemed so excited," said Henry.
But Aunt Kennedy's Little Library no longer sits where it once did.
Henry's camera shows the stand sitting in it's spot one minute, then the next, it's missing.
"Nobody saw anything," said Henry.
The stand was hand-painted by Henry and her mother.
"It was yellow. We painted it pink and then my good friend Mikayla Walker, actually hand-painted all the butterflies and the flowers," said Henry.
Filled with tons of books and loved by all the kids, Henry said she was planning on keeping her stand for years to come.
"I cried all night and the next morning, I was just so upset," said Henry. "I have parents commenting how much their kids loved it. They're so sad that it's gone. Their kids were so excited. Everyday they would trade them out."
Now heartbroken, Henry said she's holding onto hope that whoever took her stand, brings it back.
"I wish by the grace of God this gets returned," said Henry.
Henry said she does plan on doing another little library stand, but this time it will sit closer to her home.
If you would like to help Henry get a new stand, click here.
You can also reach out to her or her mother, Jeniffer Smith on Facebook.