Charlie's Corner and Little Free Library at White's Road Park on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025 (Credit: Linette Kalbach)
The new memorial and Little Free Library at White’s Road Park honors the beloved orange tabby whose spirit continues to unite Lansdale
A permanent memorial and Little Free Library born from a year of love, grief and generosity was dedicated Sunday in White's Road Park near the playground and pavilion, known as "Charlie's Corner."
Charlie's Day 2025 featured a dual charity drive for Manna on Main Street and Stray Cat Blues for the new memorial space that honors the curious, social, larger-than-life orange tabby who captured local and national attention.
"This corner of White's Road Park began with a simple idea: navigating through the grief of a tragic loss and creating a space of comfort, imagination, and connection," said co-organizer Karena Mandy Lewis at the ribbon cutting. "As the project unfolded, it became something so much deeper -- a reflection of the love, joy and spirit that Charlie, our beloved cat and town mascot, brought to the community."
Lewis said Charlie inspired connections and engagement among strangers. He touched hearts and brought everyone together in a common emotion.
The papier-mâché Charlie from the 2024 Lansdale Mardi Gras Parade (Credit: Linette Kalbach)
The Little Free Library at White's Road Park
A clue from the scavenger hunt during the Charlie's Day 2025 ribbon cutting in White's Road Park
Charlie's Corner at White's Road Park
Charlie memorabilia at the Little Free Library
A papier-mâché Charlie from the Lansdale Mardi Gras Parade 2024
Annamaria Luberto and her Charlie cupcakes at the Charlie's Day 2025 eventA place built from heartbreak, joy, and thousands of memories
Charlie died in August 2024 after suffering severe injuries, leaving behind a heartbroken community and a Facebook group — White’s Road Park Charlie & Sonny — that today has more than 2,200 members.
Neighbors held an inaugural Charlie's Day tribute last fall, organized by photographer, digital creator and publisher Kristen Kidd, and a GoFundMe organized by Upper Gwynedd resident Linette Kalbach raised more than $6,700 toward its $7,500 goal since its launch in September 2024.
Now, that support has transformed into a lasting tribute.
Charlie’s Corner includes three community sharing libraries with children’s books, general reading for high schoolers and adults, and Charlie memorabilia, with rotating items originally left at his memorial stump over the last year.
All three separate little library boxes stand in a mulched rock garden, where visitors can leave painted rocks in memory of Charlie or other beloved pets.
Three new park benches, purchased through the borough to match existing park benches, were installed near the memorial and around the sandbox area.
“This will be a bright spot in the park where we can smile at the thought of silly Charlie and remember him with all of his love and curiosity,” said owner Kristen Ortiz.
Kalbach said the libraries were officially turned over to Parks & Rec this fall. Bookmarks with usage instructions — in English, Spanish, Korean, and Bengali — have been added to help keep the sharing space active. Temporary plaques will be installed for Charlie Day before permanent bronze versions arrive next month.
The sharing library’s official Little Free Library listing can be found here: https://map.lflapp.org/Lcx5ZTJtKWb
A scavenger hunt map from Charlie's Day 2025
Jermie Ortiz decorates a rock for the Charlie's Corner rock garden
Real estate agent Nia Mullins shows off her painted rock for the Charlie's Corner rock garden
Community members gather to decorate rocks for the Charlie's Corner rock garden on Sunday, Nov. 23The memorial grows — and so does the community
Parks and Recreation Director Courtney Fox said her department has worked closely with organizers as the project evolved, and Charlie's Day was scheduled to align with the installation of the benches.
“Charlie was the most amazing animal, and you couldn’t help but love him,” Kalbach said previously. “We were so blessed to be adopted by him.”
Organizers — Kalbach, Ortiz, Lewis, Annamaria Luberto, and Dawn Cliver — also plan to fund ongoing upkeep through sales of 2026 Charlie & Sonny calendars, stickers, decals, and more.
As Ortiz said at the time of his passing, “He jammed enough adventures into his three years that most cats never experience in a long lifetime.”
In her ribbon cutting speech, Lewis honored Kalbach as the group's leader, organizer, fundraiser and Little Library charter member.
"Her dedication and guidance led this project from the very first sketch all the way to today's celebration," she said.
Finished rocks for the Charlie's Corner rock garden were sprayed with a protectant from the elements (Credit: Linette Kalbach)
Charlie's brother, Sonny, attended the ribbon cutting (Credit: Linette Kalbach)Lewis thanked Cliver for her brainstorming, her creative details, and execution.
"Your creativity and support and hands-on contributions were invaluable every step of the way," she said. "We wouldn't be here without both of you."
Fox and her parks and recreation team were also recognized for their support and installation of the memorial and benches, with Lewis saying that the department ensures Charlie's Corner will remain welcoming for years to come.
"To our sponsors and volunteers, thank you for your inspiration, creativity and personal touches that helped transform this project into what it is today," Lewis said. "In Charlie's passing, he embodied warmth, kindness and joy. Charlie's Corner is our way of keeping that alive."
