readwithem Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 College Girl was walking through her town with a friend (they've got 15 inches of snow) and they saw two of these. She had never heard of them, but her friend had seen them in his hometown. He was excited to see them in their college town - they're seniors and had never come across them previously! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in OR Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Not in real life, but my alumni magazine had a feature on them last year, since there were some in that area. I thought they looked cool and wondered about spreading them to my neck of the woods. Erica in OR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 I've seen two in two different cities. Now that I think about it, one of them may be someone's pet project and not part of the official Little Free Library program. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Yes, in a town near my MIL's house. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elfknitter.# Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 I've thought about starting one, but haven't gotten around to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albeto. Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 We've got a number of them in my little city. They're adorable, but I've yet to see anyone stand there so I have no idea how successful they are. They're always full, though, fwiw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8circles Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Yes, there are several I pass by regularly. I want to put one up either at church or my own house but haven't gotten to it yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Smith Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 My town once had an event where you could go and make one. But I have never seen one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 We have many in our town! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostSurprise Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 They have a map feature on that website so you can see if you have any nearby (which are registered...not everyone bothers). There are ones created by groups, and ones made by individuals. Either can register. I live in the upper MIdwest and there are several in my rural area. I've adopted the one in my town and the one in the next town near the zoo. They empty out faster than you think. You're supposed to take a book/leave a book but it rarely works out this way. Since I've adopted them I think of the kids who don't have books at home. This is one way for them to have books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne in CA Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Interestingly enough there was one in Hillsboro right by our old house before we moved here, and there is one close to here also! They make my dd so happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 I think if there was one near my house, then a homeless person would set up camp in it. True story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 The first one in our town got a lot of press. I know of 3 now just on the route I drive daily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthwestMom Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 We have many in our town! we do too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elfknitter.# Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 I think if there was one near my house, then a homeless person would set up camp in it. True story. The small ones I've seen would make that a bit difficult. I could see easily including it inside an encampment though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bug's Mom Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 We have several in our town. The closest is about 3 blocks away. We're hoping to put one up in the spring. One of the Culver's here even has one. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamaraby Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Yup! There's a show on Wisconsin Public Television called "Wisconsin Life" and they recently had a segment about a poet from the state decided to try and visit all of the ones in his area by bike in one day. It grew to a several days sortof thing - http://wilife.tumblr.com/post/74842909838/for-the-love-of-little-free-libraries-james-p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 I use one semi regularly. It's near where we live. It's full but the books change all the time so I assume it's not just me using it. It does close in the winter so the books stay dry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elfknitter.# Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 According to their map, the are none in Nevada. 0.o Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalmia Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Thanks for posting the link to the Little Free Libraries. I had never heard of them and love the idea. Made me smile at the little things people can do to make other's days happier. Just looking at the little libraries makes me smile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kubiac Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 There are several around here, including a "huge" one in the lobby of the local police precinct station. I would love to have one in our immediate neighborhood some day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 There is one in my neighborhood, another outside of my town's recreation center. It has been a regular source of joy and surprise in my life. I make a point of adding children's books to the LFL in the summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
readwithem Posted February 14, 2014 Author Share Posted February 14, 2014 They have a map feature on that website so you can see if you have any nearby (which are registered...not everyone bothers). There are ones created by groups, and ones made by individuals. Either can register. I live in the upper MIdwest and there are several in my rural area. I've adopted the one in my town and the one in the next town near the zoo. They empty out faster than you think. You're supposed to take a book/leave a book but it rarely works out this way. Since I've adopted them I think of the kids who don't have books at home. This is one way for them to have books. Thanks for mentioning the map, I should have mentioned it in the OP. There are several in our (fairly large) city but none close to where we live. I'm going to make a note to look for them now. According to their map, the are none in Nevada. 0.o Maybe you could start one! There is one in my neighborhood, another outside of my town's recreation center. It has been a regular source of joy and surprise in my life. I make a point of adding children's books to the LFL in the summer. This made me smile, Jane. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 There is one I drive past regularly, they try to keep children's books in it. I've never used it though because parking is a bit of an issue on that street. When it gets nice enough for bike rides I plan to check it out. I think if there was one near my house, then a homeless person would set up camp in it. True story. The ones I have seen are about double the size of a bird house, they are truly little libraries holding maybe up to 10 books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 I know a 12 yr old who has built and maintains two of these-one at his house, and one in a park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkacademy Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 I have never heard of these or seen them. I think it is a really cool idea but I have a feeling around here it would be take a book until they are gone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kubiac Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 I have never heard of these or seen them. I think it is a really cool idea but I have a feeling around here it would be take a book until they are gone. One of the mottos of LFL is "You can't steal a free book!" Some do get wiped out on the regular (there's one on a major boulevard here that's empty most of the time), but people absolutely do leave new books and return borrowed books. And man, there's nothing better than watching little kids picking out their own books, especially in cases where there might not be much of a household budget for a home library. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 The child I know who has built his mostly focuses on children's books, and there are a lot of us willing to send donations his way as our children outgrow them ;). From what I've heard, there's a lot of book swapping going on-kids will get books, but parents will bring by books and stick them in the boxes, so one day there might be all picture books, and the next, all board books. One thing they have found is that they need to check frequently for public library books that get dropped off. Guess some people think "Libraries" are all the same! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 A friend of mine built one as did a near neighbor of hers. She mentioned this in an email, "The libraries are cute and they have been getting lots of attention. I love seeing people stop and browse and there has been pretty good movement of books--both coming and going. I stocked it at the beginning, but it seems to be sustaining itself. We even got a copy of the Book of Mormon right away. :) " Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elfknitter.# Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Maybe you could start one! Maybe on my next trip to Las Vegas. :lol: Otherwise, it's a bit of a commute for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 There is one in my neighborhood. Love that. There is also a neighborhood tree where folks can clip positive thoughts to branches. You write one, and take one. I get warm fuzzies just looking at it. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 I've seen one in our town. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Yes, but I've never seen a book in one that I wanted to read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zimom Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 My friend has one that her dad built for her. I would love one for myself but have no way to build it :(. There are several around Agnes Scott College in Atlanta / Decatur. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrn Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Yes, although I've never taken a book from it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostSurprise Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Yes, but I've never seen a book in one that I wanted to read. Then add some books that you would read! I don't think of this as a main source of reading material for me, bibliophile, but it is a great outreach for literacy. Last year, I started adding magazines as well (making sure the address labels were removed). Sometimes that's a little less intimidating for people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mabeline Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Yes, there is one at a park we go to sometimes. I looked at the map and found one made to look like the Tardis. I need to remember to check it out sometime. :-) http://www.flickr.com/photos/68010601@N03/10434152466/in/photostream/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Not exactly like that, but the pharmacy here in town has one. They encourage you to "recycle" your books by bringing one in and taking one. The one pharmacist has similar reading tastes as me, so it always works out for both of us. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 I think we have about 10 of them in our neighborhood (we are urban, in an old, walkable, tightly built neighborhood). We are about 4 blocks from a college campus. I have 2 within 2 blocks of me. :) I love them and badly want one in my front yard too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 I've heard of them but have never seen one in person. I really like the idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bug's Mom Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 Yes, there is one at a park we go to sometimes. I looked at the map and found one made to look like the Tardis. I need to remember to check it out sometime. :-) http://www.flickr.com/photos/68010601@N03/10434152466/in/photostream/ We might have to check this out the next time we take the train to see my sister. Everett is the closest station to her, so that's where we go. Dd would LOVE it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebbyribs Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 I walked by one in our neighborhood the other day. We also live right near a free bookstore. I'm ashamed to say that I walked by the "FREE BOOKS" sign for over a year before I found out that it was real books, not just religious tracts or political propaganda. http://www.yelp.com/biz/bay-area-free-book-exchange-el-cerrito Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2scouts Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 Yes! We have one in my city. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 The ones I have seen are about double the size of a bird house, they are truly little libraries holding maybe up to 10 books. The ones I have seen IRL are made from old phone booths. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 Apparently there is one in a town about 30 minutes from us. They used an old glass front freezer cabinet, kind of cool looking. My concern here is that people would use it as a drop spot for drugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2jjka Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 We have 4 in our neighborhood (2 by individual homeowners, and 2 at churches) The kids used to ride their bikes to visit them, but I stopped allowing them to go w/o me after I saw '50 Shades' and a bunch of trashy romance novels in one. One of them has a 'take a book/leave a book policy.' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caroline Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 Apparently there is one in a town about 30 minutes from us. They used an old glass front freezer cabinet, kind of cool looking. My concern here is that people would use it as a drop spot for drugs. I hadn't thought about that, but you bring up a really good point. Ugh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kubiac Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 I hadn't thought about that, but you bring up a really good point. Ugh. Well, most LFLs are created by private individuals who are called stewards. Any self-respecting steward wouldn't put up with that, but I supposed if the box were in a park or outside a school, it might not be watched as closely. In most of the stories I've read about LFLs, stewards are on the lookout for porn more than drugs. I don't think it's a real problem (outside of Fifty Shades of Grey and certain passages in romance novels, LOL), honestly, but that's the one concern I've read. I might be hopelessly naive, but I feel like if you can't believe in Little Free Libraries, there's not much you can believe in. If you haven't seen it yet, the Little Free Libraries of Distinction Pinterest board is utterly wonderful. (You can also see every single one on the Little Free Library Flickr stream.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Smith Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 I remember years ago reading about something similiar to Little Free LIbraries. I think it was called, "Red it" or something similiar. A person would set up a red shelf in some indoor location. (Pizza restaurant, community center...) and treat it just like a Little Free LIbrary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kubiac Posted February 15, 2014 Share Posted February 15, 2014 http://www.familyreading.org/p-bookshelf.htm http://www.ithaca.com/news/loving-literacy-little-free-libraries-spring-up-around-ithaca/article_3ba8fb60-3069-11e3-b1c5-001a4bcf887a.html?mode=jqm Bright Red Bookshelf? I think it was featured in an older edition of the Read-Aloud Handbook. (Sorry, I get really excited about giving away books to anyone who might possibly suffer them, heh.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.