Little free libraries
While walking or running through our neighborhood, I started noticing these little cute boxes or cabinets or whatever you want to call them about half a year ago. Most of them are standing in front of private residences, a few are adjacent to an office or other kind of business. The concept is easy. People fill these “little libraries” with their own used books and anyone can stop by, peruse the selection, pick a book up and drop one off instead. The idea is to share the books you already read with your neighbors. Some of these “free little libraries” are rather simple, several are lovingly decorated with lots of details. Some of them even have a bench next to them, so you can sit down and take your time checking out the selection.
Every single free little library I found so far, is registered and has a plaque with a number. The organization little free library runs this non-profit idea and their intention is simply to build literacy-friendly neighborhoods. On their website you can find out how it works. In a brief video they explain the system. You can buy libraries or find out how to build one. They offer special resources for “stewards”, these are the people who already run a little library. There are over 36.000 registered libraries all over the world. I even found a few in Germany. On this map you can check out where the next little free library in your area is.
“To promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide and to build a sense of community as we share skills, creativity and wisdom across generations. “
I love this very personal system of sharing books with other people in your neighborhood. It is so simple and seems to be able to decelerate our busy lives. It can create new relationships in your close proximity much better than any social media. Here you can read a few stories about the benefits of the neighborhood library: It’s the little things.
These are the streets I found the little libraries in our neighborhood: Ridgefly Drive, Campbell Avenue, El Solyo Avenue, Minnesota Avenue and Saint Lawrence Drive.
Go check them out, bring a book, take one and have a chat with another book lover.
