Heart of Gold

Heart of Gold… It’s not easy to experience heartaches and trauma and still come out of it with a loving, golden heart. Although Randie went through a lot of rough patches, she persevered and wouldn’t hesitate to reach out and help others, if she could. During her darkest days, Randie found comfort in reading certain stories. Relatable characters helped her get through some very traumatic events in her own life. We all have our favorite poems and songs to lift our spirit when we’re feeling down. Randie believed strongly in the healthy benefits of bibliotherapy. For most of her adult life, Randie devoted her time to promoting literacy and bibliotherapy. Once again, I want to thank all of you for keeping Randie’s dream alive with your book donations to Randie’s Free Library (and to the Little Free Library at Moore Memorial Park). Two days ago, a package from Dublin, Ireland arrived for Randie’s Free Library. Inside was a nice note from Enya, along with four books. In the brief note, Enya shared how she was moved and inspired by Randie’s story that she’s seriously considering creating a free book exchange in her neighborhood, which is on the outskirts of Dublin. By the way, in this short note, Enya also shared an interesting Irish saying, ‘If God sends you down a stony path, may he give you strong shoes.’ Thanks to people like Enya and people like all of you, my grief and pain of missing Randie is eased a bit. After going through such terrible periods, Randie had every right to be angry. But, instead of being mad at the world, Randie chose love, and chose to help others. It’s comforting to know that Randie’s heart of gold is still being felt around the world. – Randolph Randy Camp Note: Randie’s Free Library is located on East Kirkwood Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa and the Raising Readers of Story County Little Free Library (which is dedicated in Randie’s honor) is located at Moore Memorial Park in Ames, Iowa.

Acts of Kindness

Yes, it’s true, today’s headlines are definitely disheartening. The news makes it hard to believe and trust anyone anymore. While I was in the Air Force I experienced things that made me sick, but every day I fight to regain my trust in people. Every now and then others show their kindness and that helps me in my struggle to regain this trust. No matter how cruel and mean the world gets though, ultimately I do believe that there are more kind and goodhearted people out there than bad ones. Case and point, on this sunny January morning, an anonymous act of kindness was shown at RANDIE’S FREE LIBRARY. May God Bless each and every one of you who continually maintains a kind heart regardless of the heartless things you see and read about in the news. – Randolph Randy Camp

Thank You

We all have a special light in us. It’s been over five years since Randie ‘Dani’ has been physically gone but her spirit is still felt every single day. It is five days before Christmas, and within the past two weeks, RANDIE’S FREE LIBRARY has received book donations from all around the globe. I would like to especially thank Akiko (from Hachinohe, Japan), Lina (from Cologne, Germany), Terry (from Tallahassee, Florida), and Jamila (from Nairobi, Kenya) for their generous book donations and helping to fulfill Randie’s dream. Sometimes these packages come on my most darkest of days and I can’t even express to y’all how my spirit is instantly lifted when I see them at my doorstep. It’s like Randie is sending me messages from Heaven, saying “I’m still here.” It warms my heart to know that Randie is touching people from around the world and that her light is still shining. And once again, I would like to sincerely thank everyone for your book donations, and may the light inside of you will continue to shine brightly! Have a wonderful Christmas EVERYONE. – Randolph Randy Camp

A Blessing Came Today

I want to thank Matt, Vikki (middle), and Samantha ‘Sam’ (far-left) for their generous book donation to RANDIE’S FREE LIBRARY today. Matt is an alumni of Iowa State University, and he personally knew Randie. When Matt was a kid his favorite children’s book was ‘Go, Dog. Go!’ Vikki’s favorite children’s books were ‘Cinderella’, ‘Snow White’, ‘Black Beauty’, and she enjoyed all of the Disney-related stories when she was a little girl, especially the stories with animal characters. Sam likes poetry and enjoys reading poems to her kids, and she tells me that ‘Where the Sidewalk Ends’ is one of her little daughter’s favorite books.

High Praise For Teachers and Librarians Everywhere!

Now that summer is here and school is out, please take a moment to visit your local public library. Librarians, teachers, and literacy advocates are some of the most dedicated and passionate people I know. I love to honor them whenever I can just to show how much I really appreciate the work that they do. The library card is the most important card in my wallet, for sure. As you take steps to achieving your goals, the library can be an excellent way to start your journey. A lot of libraries have excellent Summer Reading Programs for all ages. Reading is a great way to brighten a child's life. The Raising Readers Organization of Story County played a major role in erecting this Little Free Library, which is located at Moore Memorial Park in Ames, Iowa. It honors my daughter Randie 'Dani' Camp, who poured her heart and soul into teaching the importance of literacy. Whatever you do this summer, please make a visit to your local library.

Don't Ever Give Up!

Keep taking baby steps toward your goals, and no matter what, don’t ever give up. Hands down, my all-time favorite children’s book have always been ‘The Little Engine That Could’. And still today, after all these years, this book have gotten me through some pretty rough moments. Keep striving! (Photo: May 2025, Moore Memorial Park, LITTLE FREE LIBRARY honoring my daughter Dr. Randie Danielle Camp, near Iowa State University in Ames.) – Randolph Randy Camp