What would you include in your own “little library”?
Little libraries of all shapes and sizes have popped up in recent years. They might be found on street corners. Or they might be found on sidewalks. Often, they are built by community members. They are hoping to share their book collection with their neighbors.
These "Little Free Libraries" are like a modern-day bookmobile. Minneapolis, Minnesota, even held the first Little Free Library Festival. Book fans and people with a do-it-yourself streak came together. They promoted literacy in their communities.
For the most part, Little Free Libraries have more in common with book-sharing shelves. Those shelves might be found in hostels, laundromats, coffee shops and other public spaces. Most are based on the idea of "take a book, leave a book." These little libraries can take many forms. They might be found in birdhouse-like wooden structures to repurposed newspaper vending machines. This is according to Robert Wirsing. He writes for the Bronx Times.
The Little Free Library organization began in 2009. A resident of Hudson, Wisconsin, Todd Bol built a little model of a one-room schoolhouse. He filled it with books. Then he put it in his front yard. It was a tribute to his late mother. Together with a local educator named Rick Brooks, the two began installing Little Free Libraries. They placed them across Wisconsin. The also shared the idea. People across the country were interested. By 2011, there were at least 400 free libraries. They were tucked into nooks and crannies of cities across the U.S.
"Something we long for in this digital age is that connection between people," Bol tells Margret Aldrich for Book Riot. "I want to show how Little Free Library is about readers inspiring readers inspiring readers. It goes on and on."
Little Free Libraries might seem like a harmless and innocent means to promote literacy and share books with neighbors. But at least a few of the roadside lending libraries have caused minor legal issues. According to the Los Angeles Times' Michael Schaub, officials in Los Angeles and Shreveport, Louisiana, have told some residents that their homemade libraries broke city codes. They would have to remove them. In both cases, city officials told the little libraries' caretakers that they were obstructions. The operators could face fines if the lending libraries weren't removed.
For the most part Little Free Libraries have been embraced by their communities. Interested in making your own little library? The organization has posted helpful tips and guides for building and installing the little book lending boxes.
Information can be found online. Go to littlefreelibrary.org.
CRITICAL THINKING QUESTION
In which ways are a “little library” better than a conventional library?
Write your answers in the comments section below