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Michigan couple’s Little Free Library depends on the honor system — with a little help from ADT 

ADT helps protect what matters most — in this case, a passion project that encourages reading  

2 min read

Nancy Vogl and David Strange's Little Free Library proudly proclaims that it's protected by ADT.
Nancy Vogl and David Strange's Little Free Library proudly proclaims that it's protected by ADT.

On a quaint Lansing, Michigan, street sits what looks like a turquoise dollhouse resting on a white pole, complete with detailed painted trim and a stone chimney. On the inside, it tells quite a story. Or, more precisely, stories. The miniature house is a Little Free Library filled with books for young neighbors to borrow and enjoy.   

Nancy Vogl and David Strange designed and built their Cherry Tree Children’s Library in 2014, installing it in front of their home in northern Michigan. After being stored for a few years during moves, the library was remodeled and installed again in December. 

Nancy Vogl and David Strange's Little Free Library proudly proclaims that it's protected by ADT.

While it operates on the honor system, asking children to keep the books in good condition and return them when they are done, the couple also added some protection from ADT. Vogl installed a Google Nest Cam (Outdoor) nearby to keep an eye on things, and a front window of the library features the famous blue ADT octagon.  

“We trust ADT because of its reputation and because it’s the only security service I’m familiar with. This goes back to the 1960s when my grandparents had ADT for their business; then my parents did as well,” Vogl said.   

Nancy Vogl and David Strange's Little Free Library proudly proclaims that it's protected by ADT.

ADT helps protect what matters most, and in this case, it’s a passion project for Vogl and Strange. A lot of care and effort was put into creating the library, with its handcrafted siding, roof and shutters. They’ve added miniature books, custom bookmarks and wallpaper to excite and awe young book borrowers when they stop by. The structure was even featured prominently in “The Little Free Library Book,” featuring creative and inspiring lending libraries from around the world.

A plaque next to the library explains the rules, with none as important as No. 5, which states, “The biggest rule of all: Remember that reading is the most important skill you can ever have! Reading will help you to learn anything you ever want to know and learn how to do it!” 

How does ADT help protect what matters most to you? Tell us at ADTCommunications@adt.com. To find out more about ADT security solutions, check out our pro-install and DIY home security systems.