After spending 15 years homeschooling her children, Shea Failmezger found herself surrounded by thousands of carefully selected books — many of them out of print or difficult to find.
Rather than let them collect dust on shelves, she decided to share them.
Earlier this summer, Failmezger opened Flying Pig Library, a home-based lending library that welcomes members during scheduled hours or by appointment, offering homeschool families, educators and book lovers access to a collection she has spent years building. Inside her Clarendon County home, shelves hold nearly 3,000 books spanning children's literature, history, science, geography, theology, poetry, classic literature and more.
"I have always loved books and it has been a long-term dream to have a library in my home," Failmezger said.
During her years of homeschooling, she intentionally built a collection centered on literature-rich learning.
"I have watched my children enjoy these books and learn from them," she said. "A lot of these books just aren't commonly known about, but they are rich and beautiful. I want other children to have the same experience that my children have had."
The library offers three annual membership tiers. The entry-level membership costs $20 per year and allows members to borrow up to three books for three weeks. Higher membership levels allow additional books, longer borrowing periods and, at the highest level, a private curriculum and homeschooling consultation. Additional information is available through the library's website.
But books are only part of what visitors will find.
Failmezger has also collected educational resources for homeschool families and teachers, including maps, art prints, learning manipulatives and themed materials such as painted peg figures that accompany Shakespeare plays.
She hopes every visitor experiences the same excitement she feels when discovering a favorite book.
"I find books to be treasures and friends," she said. "I want visitors to feel the excited anticipation of finding a treasure or new favorite book."
While digital books and audiobooks have become increasingly popular, Failmezger believes physical books continue to offer something unique.
"We are staring at our screens all day. There is always a device in our hand," she said. "I think physical books give us a nice change. I think it is beautiful and much needed for people to gather around the stories and ideas that books can provide."
Looking ahead, she hopes Flying Pig Library grows into more than a place to borrow books. Plans include future book clubs and community activities, though those details are still taking shape.
Ultimately, Failmezger hopes the library leaves a lasting mark on the community.
"I want people to find their most beloved books here," she said. "I would love for people to credit their love of learning and love of books to this place. I want curiosity to be fostered. The smartest people I know don't necessarily have the highest IQs, they have the most curiosity about the world."
