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A new community fixture dedicated to connection, creativity and handwritten communication will be unveiled on Saturday, Jan. 24 with the installation of the first-ever Note Nest at 832 Powers Street, Baltimore, Maryland.

Inspired by the spirit of Little Free Libraries, The Note Nest is a free, public stationery exchange where anyone can take a card, leave a card, write a note and rediscover the power of putting pen to paper. In a time dominated by digital communication, The Note Nest offers a slower, more intentional way to connect — one handwritten message at a time.

The project was conceived by Vanessa Harnik, founder of Notes & Queries, a Baltimore-based company that distributes beautifully designed greeting cards from more than 25 publishers across Europe and Great Britain to retailers throughout the United States. With decades spent championing the value of greeting cards and written correspondence, Harnik envisioned The Note Nest as a way to extend that mission into neighborhoods and communities.

The original concept was sketched by her husband, Leon Powell, brought to life by the skilled makers at Open Works, Baltimore’s nonprofit community makerspace, and completed with an inspired logo designed by her niece, Hazel Harnik.

“The Note Nest exists to remind us that handwritten notes still matter,” said Harnik. “A few thoughtful words — written by hand — can change someone’s day, preserve a memory or make a person feel seen.”

Follow Note Nest on Instagram and check back at thenotenest.net for more information, resources, writing prompts, images of handmade greeting cards and a map.

A second Note Nest installation will soon follow and will be located in front of Open Works, further anchoring the project in Baltimore’s creative and community-focused landscape.

The public is invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 at 3 p.m., take part in writing the first notes, and help launch a project rooted in generosity, reuse and meaningful connection.