The Christopher Cutler Memorial Little Library
A Living Legacy of Literacy and Community
For several years, the Little Library standing proudly in front of Cathy Wever School has quietly and consistently advanced one of the core pillars of the Rotary Club of Hamilton: literacy.
What began as a simple wooden book exchange evolved into something far greater — a community touchpoint, a symbol of access, and ultimately a memorial to one of our most dedicated Rotarians. The Little library was installed in 2014 as part of the Scott’s Miricle Grow Grant project at Cathy Wever School.
Honouring a Rotarian’s Legacy
Following the passing of Christopher Cutler in 2022, a Past President and passionate advocate for children’s literacy, the Rotary Club chose to rename the structure the Christopher Cutler Memorial Little Library. This was not simply a gesture of remembrance; it was a commitment to continue Chris’s belief that every child deserves access to books and the opportunity to build their own personal library.
Chris understood that literacy changes lives. Renaming the Little Library in his honour ensures that his legacy is not only remembered — it is actively lived out every day.
A Literacy Initiative with Lasting Reach
Located in the (GALA) Gibson-Landsdale Neighbourhood, the Little Library serves hundreds of children, youth, and residents annually. Students walking home from school, families out for an evening stroll, and neighbours seeking a new read all stop to browse its shelves.
The concept is beautifully simple:
- Take a book. Read a book. Share a book.
For many children, this small wooden structure represents their first opportunity to choose a book of their own — without cost, without barriers, and without limitation. It encourages them to take books home, begin building their own collections, and cultivate a lifelong love of reading.
More Than a Book Box During the Pandemic
During the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Little Library Box became far more than a literacy tool. With schools closed and families isolated, the Library evolved into a micro-hub of community support.
Through Rotary volunteers and community partnerships, the space became a distribution point for:
- Activity packages for children
- Literacy resources and tools
- Food supports and essential supplies
In a time of disconnection, the Little Library symbolized connection. It reminded residents that their community had not forgotten them.
A Cornerstone of Rotary’s Commitment to Youth
Today, the Christopher Cutler Memorial Little Library remains an active and cherished project of the Rotary Club of Hamilton. It aligns closely with our broader literacy initiatives, including book distribution programs, school partnerships, and youth engagement through COREKids and Rotary Summer Literacy programming.
The Library continues to:
- Encourage independent reading
- Support families with free access to books
- Promote literacy equity in the neighbourhood
- Strengthen community connection
Each time a child opens its small wooden door, Christopher Cutler’s legacy is renewed.
A Living Memorial
Memorials are often stone and silent. This one is wooden and alive.
It is filled with stories.
It changes daily.
It grows through sharing.
The Christopher Cutler Memorial Little Library stands not only as a tribute to a devoted Rotarian but as a powerful reminder that small acts — a book shared, a door opened — can have a profound and lasting impact on a community.
And so, the pages continue to turn.
