Mrs. Nevada International 2024 opens new Little Free Library in Panaca

Mrs. Nevada International 2024, Ali Everett, hosted a June 29 ribbon cutting for the Little Free Library (LFL) now open at Panaca Market. 

The Panaca LFL is the third location to open in Lincoln County this year. In April, Everett inaugurated the LFL Library locations at the Barber & Gift Shop in Caliente and at Meadow Valley Market in Pioche. Panaca Market and Patriot Propane partnered to sponsor the newest LFL in Panaca.

Everett shared that she was honored by the donations of time, materials and books made for the newest structure. The cabinet was originally pulled from a kitchen in Las Vegas. The homeowner contacted Everett to donate the cabinet and prevent the materials from ending up in a landfill. Everett, along with her two sons, spent four months refurbishing the cabinet, sanding, painting and adding a roof. She also acknowledged the support from Nate Phillips, Mountain Mercantile, Harald and Brenda Hermann, and Larry and Kelly Funk for their donations. 

“People are also tagging the libraries on social media like crazy,” Everett said, noting the significant reach of over 3,100 people across the three towns, with potential for further expansion. 

Following the Panaca LFL’s grand opening, Everett and her family attended a family book and movie party at Kershaw-Ryan State Park. The event featured games and barbecues, and families gathered as Everett read “The Bravest Knight” by Mercer Mayer. The funny tale featured a medieval world and mischievous trolls. Children swarmed Everett following the reading, each one with their own suggestion of what book she should read next. The fantasy-themed story reading was another effort in Everett’s continuing Read to Lead Initiative and fight against the global literacy crisis. 

The evening concluded with a screening of “Stardust,” complete with popcorn and cotton candy. Copies of the book by the same title had been provided for reading leading up to the event. Everett shared appreciation for the efforts being made by Deidre Mower and the Lincoln Community Coalition to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program to the area. Everett says additional awareness has been created through the push for the reading program and several summer reading events being hosted at Kershaw. “The park was so lush and beautiful,” added Everett as she thanked Ethan Mower and the park rangers for preparing the space and ensuring the event ran smoothly.

Caliente Elementary School donated roughly 400 books to Kershaw prior to the family event. Everett was able to add another four donated boxes from Better World Books, including a variety of books from pre-k to 12th grade reading levels. Attendees at future reading circles will be invited to take home books from the donations inventory. 

“These donations are going to help give books to kids all over the county,” noted an excited Everett, “and these events are a great way to keep the kids excited about reading over the summer.”

Upcoming movie nights at Kershaw-Ryan include “How to Train Your Dragon” on July 20, “A Wrinkle in Time” on Aug. 10 and “The Importance of Being Earnest” on Sept. 14. The events will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and admission is free to all guests, excluding park entry fees.

As Everett prepares to compete for the international title at the end of July, she extends her heartfelt thanks to the Lincoln County community for their continued support. To donate to the Read to Lead initiative, visit www.GoFundMe.com/F/Mrs-Nevada-International-2024, and follow her journey on Facebook or Instagram @TheRealAliEverett.