April 2024 - Starla Klinger
In the heart of Moose Jaw, a vibrant and tight-knit military community thrives thanks to the dedication and passion of one remarkable individual – Starla Klinger. “Her creation of the Charming Dandelion little free library has not only brought joy and literary enrichment to the 15 Wing community but has also fostered strong connections with various organizations in the city”, says WO Hoyles of 15 Wing Moose Jaw.
Starla's journey as a volunteer began with a simple idea - to create a space where individuals of all ages could come together to share their love of reading. This space just happens to be a weatherproof, stand-alone library that can be accessed anytime. Inspired by her life as a military family member, she saw the opportunity to cultivate a sense of belonging and community through the Charming Dandelion.
“The name The Charming Dandelion was inspired by our lives as a military family. The dandelion is the official flower of the military child and charming comes from the name of the street we lived on where we first put up the library. Reading for me has offered great comfort during deployments and moves. We learn about the places Dad is going or where we are moving. Losing myself in a good novel would bring peace during difficult times. Sharing books is a great way to learn new skills, read about other places, try new styles of writing, and more.
When we moved to 15 Wing Moose Jaw I reached out to the community for help in setting up the little library. 431 Squadron, the Snowbirds, took the base of the library painted it, and weighted it down to withstand the extreme winds. The community donated books. Padre Klinger, my husband, was essential in getting approval for the library to go up in the residential housing units (RHU). The Command Team was incredibly supportive and came out for our kick-off event and ribbon cutting. They have come out to our events, offered insight, and really were a huge part of making the little library a success.
The Bushell Park Community Council has also been an incredible partner of the little library. They help with every event and they take care of it when we are away. They encourage community connection and friendship with the patrons of the little library.
Volunteering in the community helps to build friendships in a new place. Connecting with a variety of organizations and groups shines a light on the wonderful things a new city has to offer a military family.”
Starla Klinger
Each year, Starla celebrates the anniversary of the library with a lively community event, which draws in over 100 participants from the military community and beyond. Through her commitment to literacy, community, and family, she has created a welcoming space that transcends barriers and unites individuals in the joy of storytelling and learning.
The impact of Starla's little library extends far beyond the borders of the 15 Wing community. National recognition has paved the way for Personnel Support Programs (PSP) and Military Family Services (MFS) to consider replicating the Charming Dandelion model in other military locations, spreading the message of community engagement and volunteerism to new horizons.
With a heart full of kindness and a spirit of generosity, Starla continues to nurture the growth of her little library, ensuring that it remains a beacon of hope and connection for years to come. Starla's volunteerism exemplifies the transformative impact that one individual can have on a community and has inspired a ripple effect of goodwill and positivity. Through her creation of the Charming Dandelion little free library, she has brought people together, fostered a love of reading, and inspired a new generation of volunteers to take up the mantle of service.
