Have you heard about the Little Free Libraries? Maybe there’s one near you, and you didn’t know about it. I didn’t know that my town has two, until I looked it up on the map. Sure enough, I found one nearby that’s just as cute as a speckled pup.
This week the Little Free Library movement is celebrating 10 years. To join in the fun, I visited our Little Free Library and talked to Susie about what led her (and Tim) to build this beauty.
How did you come across the idea of building a little library for your neighborhood?
Our daughter Shera in Naperville, Illinois, called and asked her dad to build her one. When I checked into the idea, I decided I wanted one for our neighborhood, too. Tim found the plans online and made two, so this one in Oklahoma has a twin in my daughter’s neighborhood in Illinois.
Has reading always been important to you?
Definitely. My mother was a school librarian, and I was an elementary school teacher for over 20 years. We raised our kids in Central Illinois, and three of four of them presented book reports on the show Reading Rainbow. Reading together as a family has meant a lot to me.
What has been the benefit of the Little Free Library?
I get such joy from watching the kids with a sack on their bicycle handles come up and switch out books. It’s also fun to see the books that appear in there and think about which neighbor shared them. It’s very community building.
Is there any special customization on this Little Free Library?
Yes! Tim put a hook on the post so browsers have a place to hook their dog leashes while they make their choice.
Favorite book?
Love Does by Bob Goff.
Best piece of reading advice?
Read to your kids, even when they get older. We have wonderful family memories of all four kids getting into bed for story time.
Thank you, Susie and Tim! I know your neighborhood is blessed by the work you did to make this available to them.
How about y’all? Do you have anything similar near your house?
We do, and just used it last week. What a lovely way to share with others, and what a fun book to pass along!
Thanks for the reminder. There’s one near me in Boulder with lots of alternative stuff–spiritual. I’m going to sift thru my shelves and find some things to donate. That’s a good direction for today’s walk.
Yes we do.We pass it each day on our daily walks. It’s always full. I think it’s a great idea to have in the neighborhood.
Very good idea. I live in a neighborhood where people might steal the books, or not return them. Any ideas about how to deal with that?
The idea is to have a place where people can trade out their old books, so most people consider them a donation, anyway. All are secondhand books, sometimes from garage sales, or somewhere cheap.
I think the little libraries are a great idea. I was looking for a new author to read and became lucky when I found your “Fort Reno Series.” I found the first two delightful. And looking forward to reading “The Major’s Daughter”. I am looking forward to reading more of your series.
Sherry, I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the books. Thanks for the good report!