Standing proudly and painted pink at the front entrance of Dougherty Orthodontics is a charming new addition you might not expect: a custom-built Little Free Library—a vibrant mini house of books designed to spark a love of reading.
For Dr. Dougherty, the heart behind the practice, the initiative is deeply personal. Raised by parents who were both dedicated lifelong educators, she grew up in a home where reading was celebrated, and curiosity was constantly encouraged. To honor that family legacy, Dr. Dougherty’s father handcrafted the wooden library box himself, pouring careful craftsmanship and thoughtful detail into a project that turns a shared family passion into a lasting gift for the entire community.
Since its installation in March, the little library has quickly become a bustling hub for readers. Patients arriving for routine adjustments, families walking past on sunny afternoon strolls, and avid local bookworms frequently pause to browse the shelves. Neighborhood support has been overwhelmingly generous, with thoughtful residents even dropping off entire tote bags filled with gently loved novels, children's picture books, and trending young adult paperbacks to keep the selection fresh and exciting.
To track just how far these traveling stories go, every book circulating through the box receives a custom sticker featuring the practice’s logo and social media handles. Readers are encouraged to snap a photo and tag the practice whenever a book reaches a new desk, park bench, or vacation spot. The team is also registering the location on the official Little Free Library global app, making it easy for nearby readers to discover the neighborhood spot.
Beyond the outdoor bookshelf, Dr. Dougherty leads by example. During busy clinical workdays, she makes a point to swap screen time for a good book on her lunch break to relax and recharge. While her personal reading list leans toward fast-paced, gripping thrillers by popular authors like Freida McFadden and Colleen Hoover, her broader mission is simple: encouraging patients of all ages to slow down, unplug, and enjoy the simple pleasure of getting lost in a great story.
Recognizing that teachers are the true backbone of community learning, Dougherty Orthodontics extends this mission of educational support even further. To honor the heart and devotion they bring to our schools, the practice offers an ongoing 10% discount on orthodontic treatments for local educators and their immediate families.
Whether you're stopping by for a smile check-up or taking an evening walk down the block, be sure to visit the little library located at 2901 Old Dougherty Ferry Road, Suite 301, at the front door of Dougherty Orthodontics.
“My parents were both lifelong educators, so growing up, reading was always celebrated in our house. Having my dad handcraft this library box makes it feel like a true piece of our family history shared with Kirkwood.”