We’ve had our Little Free Library up for four or five days now, and through my study window, I can see cars slowing and several stopping to study it and figure out what it is. Lots of people in my town are seeing it, many have asked me if I want their old books or their mother and father’s.
I can feel the town figuring it out. The bright colors make sure it’s notice, and we live on a busy road. So word will get around. A lot of people are also wondering about the Tin Man in the front yard.
We don’t really need anybody else’s books, we have piles and piles, and the Little Free Library is not about getting rid of old books, it’s about sharing the books we have read, and getting some in return.
It’s not about getting rid of old stuff, it’s about community sharing with books. People take one, and if they can, return another. They don’t have to give back the book they took, they can pass it along to somebody else, and give us something new or different.
Earlier this week, I went to Battenkill Books and bought two or three children’s books, aimed roughly at 3rd and 4th graders. They were all gone the next day. I didn’t see anybody stop, but one of the big ideas behind this movement is to spur reading among children and also adults who have fallen out of the habit.
I am eager to see what they bring back in return.
The people in the Little Free Library community – there are 40,000 in the country – say it takes weeks or months before people figure out how to use these small and idiosyncratic libraries, especially in towns where they are new.
We are off to a very good start and everywhere I go in town, people ask me about it. This is a project that really feels good, and I can’t think of a better way to grace a front law.
Your comments about not wanting people’s old books, the idea is sharing, reminded me of the huge disaster”The Valley Fire’ over the hills from here that happened a couple years back. Hundreds of people displaced. Most people were generous and kind donating supplies for people and pets. Others took the opportunity to dump their old clothes, old TV sets, and rubbish by the carloads to the evacuation centers. Ugh.
Switching to the positive ?
Love the colors painted on your “free library”. It’s like Christmas. Waiting to see what the book elves will bring.
This kind of generosity creates and makes life feel magical.
That’s usually how it happens, Craig, in many small towns there are 100 or more little libraries, we’ll see if it catches..they say there are many in new york city but I’m not sure where..
It will really be wonderful if your free library spurs your neighbors to create their own free libraries too
I was walking up the dunes from the parking lot to Rexhame Beach here in Marshfield Massachusetts the other day. For a couple of years I saw what looked like a small cupboard on a post at the entrance and never paid much attention to it. After following your story about your little free library, I took more notice and lo and behold, we have one right here at Rexhame Beach!! Grab a book and enjoy the ocean?
We have one in our neighborhood in Los Angeles. I love it there and have contributed books.
Love these. We have several in my small town and I have used them. I would be surprised if it really takes weeks or months before yours becomes very active.