Thursday Thirteen 370: Little Free Libraries, Part One

I saw my first Little Free Library about five years ago, in front of a local community center. Since then, I've noticed them popping up in neighborhoods around the city. In August 2013, I was walking following a route through my neighborhood I had not taken in months (having defected to the nearby bike path), when I discovered a LFL had been installed. Of course I had to stop and examine its contents, and found a book I wanted to read. The following week I returned with a donation of half a dozen books.

Last July upon returning from an arboretum walk, I saw that a second LFL had been installed in my neighborhood, this one at one of the local parks. I try to hit each of them every few weeks, not only to see if anything interesting has been left, but to help restock. So far I've managed to get rid of an entire box of books, and am working on a second I had to donate. My one regret is that I don’t have children’s books to leave at the one by the park. Sometimes I will pick up a couple at the library used book sale for our LFL.

Not familiar with the Little Free Library concept? Here are a few facts:



01. The Little Free Library movement got its start in 2009 in Hudson, Wisconsin, when Todd Bol placed a small box in front of his house.

02. Decorated to resemble a one-room schoolhouse, the first LFL contained about a dozen books free for the taking. The box was a tribute to Bol's mother, a former teacher and book lover who had died several years earlier.

03. When Rick Brooks — an instructor specializing in youth and community development at the UW-Madison Division of Continuing Studies — saw Bol's Little Free Library, he immediately recognized the potential to promote literacy and build communities.

04. Brooks and Bol teamed up to build several more of the boxes, christening the project Little Free Library. Their first LFL was placed beside a bike path behind Absolutely Art Gallery and Café Zoma on the east side of Madison, Wisconsin.

05. People not only saw this novel concept, but wanted one of their own, resulting in numerous requests for more. They began to crop up in communities across Wisconsin by the dozens, and then spread across the United States.

06. Today there are thousands of Little Free Libraries across the USA and the world. Do a search on Pinterest, and you will find hundreds of photos of Little Free Libraries. (And yes, that includes a folder by me!)

07. The Little Free Library concept is simple: take a book, leave a book. There are no due dates, late fees, or library cards required, and the doors are open 24/7.

08. Those who sponsor a Little Free Library are known as stewards, and are responsible for the upkeep of the box. Most LFL's are in peoples’ front yards, while others may be at a school, church, park, or popular neighborhood business.

09. Stewards can build their own box, or can order a kit in one of several designs from the LFL website.

10. Many Little Free Libraries are your basic box with a roof and Plexiglas windows, but some stewards get quite creative. Some people have repurposed old newspaper stands, dollhouses, or come up with their own concept based on a favorite book or character, such as a tardis, tornado funnel, robot, or lighthouse. Others choose to creatively paint, stencil, or decorate a simple box.

11. Some communities regulate Little Free Libraries, requiring stewards to gain permission from the city/town before installing a LFL, even on their own property.

12. Sadly, there have been reports of some communities ordering people to remove a Little Free Library on their property, but thankfully that is not the norm, with most towns choosing to promote literacy.

13. Don’t know if there is a LFL in your area? Visit the LFL website to find out, or to see how you can become a part of this growing literary phenomenon.


Do you have a Little Free Library in your neighborhood or town? Have you ever used one?



LINKING TO: Thursday Thirteen

Thursday Thirteen 371: Little Free Libraries, Part Two

Last week I shared a bit of information on the Little Free Library project. This week I present thirteen LFL’s in my area -- and, as always, click on any photo for a larger view.


The first two are from my neighborhood. The first is located on the curve of a quiet side street and is always overflowing, while the second is at a park and is always almost empty. They are only four blocks apart.

These next two are from a friend's neighborhood . . .

This one has been stenciled on both sides.


These are two I have seen in nearby Fitchburg. I'm sharing multiple photos of the one as it has been painted on all sides.

This next one is actually inside the Arboretum grounds, in a residential area:

Do you see the turkey in the left background? I did not even notice him
when I was actually there -- not until I uploaded pics to my computer.
There is a nice log bench by this one not visible in the photo.

And here are others I've seen within a 3-4 mile distance of where I live:

Gotta love the cow design!

This one is the same look/design as another LFL only a few blocks away.

The pencil and books design was the idea of a young girl.





LINKING TO: Thursday Thirteen

Thursday Thirteen 372: Recently Read

First, as you all know, I talked about Little Free Libraries the previous two weeks. Imagine my surprise when I opened Sunday's paper to find that there is now an actual book on the subject. Margret Aldrich will be at the Seqouya Library Saturday evening to talk about The Little Free Library Book. I'll be sure to let you know if I am able to attend.


Now, on to today's topic -- Here are the latest books I've read. As always, click on any cover or link for more information.















ROW 1: All of the cozy mysteries read in this row were for challenges. Krista Davis was also the April featured author in the Cozy Mysteries group at Goodreads. I wasn’t going to read anything by her, until I happened across a used copy of the first book in her popular Diva series, The Diva Runs Out of Thyme, which I found to be so-so. Not sure if I will read more of them, but will definitely continue the other two series read in this row.

ROW 2: I am actually still reading The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, which is the May group read for TNBBC group at GR. As it is a collection of twelve short stories, I have been reading one or two at a time in between other works. Dead Heat is the fourth book in Patricia Briggs’ "Alpha and Omega" series, a companion series to her popular Mercy Thompson books. Claiming His Family was read for a couple of challenges, including "a book set in your home town" for the Ultimate Reading Challenge I am attempting (currently 24/52).

ROW 3: Accused is book one in the "Rosato & DiNunzio" series by Lisa Scottoline, a continuation of her popular "Rosato and Associates." Naked in Death by JD Robb (AKA Nora Roberts) is book one of the "In Death" series, and fit the challenge criteria of a book set in the future. The Liar is the most recent single title release by Nora Roberts.

ROW 4: Haunted by Kay Hooper is the 15th book in her "Bishop" series. The Ladies of Missalonghi by Colleen McCullough was another challenge book — I really enjoyed this quick read set in Australia. I was privileged to win a copy of The Sound of Glass by Karen White through a Goodreads giveaway and it was another great read. I would recommend all three of these books.

ROW 5: The Prince and The Pauper by Mark Twain was the first quarter group read for a GR romance group, and also fit a few challenges as well. Though familiar with the story (probably through the Disney animated movie), I don’t think I’d ever actually read this before and enjoyed it.


YOUR TURN: What are you reading these days? Have you read any of the books mentioned above? Any that caught your eye?



LINKING TO: Thursday Thirteen

Teaser Tuesday 348: The Boxcar Children

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by The Purple Booker. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

* Grab your current book or recent read.
* Share a few "teaser" sentences from somewhere in the book.
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away. You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title and author so that other participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teaser!


This week's teaser is from a classic children's book by Gertrude Chandler Warren, The Boxcar Children. I came across this one recently, and couldn't resist picking it up and rereading it. I'll pass it on to one of our neighborhood Little Free Libraries when it warms up enough to walk again (and I'm not still sick). Published in 1942, this book was so popular, it spawned an entire mystery series still read by kids today.

One warm night four children stood in front of a bakery. No one knew them. No one knew where they had come from.

(Opening Paragraph)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

One warm night four children stood in front of a bakery. no one knew them. No one knew where they had come from. Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny are orphans. Determined to make it on their own, they set out to find a safe place to live. They discover an old, red boxcar that provides shelter from a storm. Against all odds, they make it into their home-and become The Boxcar Children!

RECYCLING YOUR BOOKS – OR FINDING NEW HOMES FOR OLD FRIENDS

Whether you are moving or simply running out of space, there comes a time in every book-lover’s life when she looks around her, at bookcases bulging with volumes, and boxes stashed in closets and under beds, and realizes–the books have taken over. If you’re one of the many bibliophiles in dire need of reducing your library and wondering how to go about it, fear not! I’m here to help.

First, admit you have a problem. Then, take heart; know that you can overcome the addiction, and purge the overflowing library. True, it won’t be easy, but it can be done!

The obvious answer in stemming the problem would be to simply not buy any more books. We all know that isn’t going to happen though, right? No matter how many books we already have, however many there are on the To-Be-Read (TBR) pile begging for our attention, there are always more out there clamoring for our attention. Rather than cut yourself off from buying new books completely, consider weeding out your existing collection.

I know, I know–how dare I suggest such a thing? Simple. It’s time to be honest with yourself and admit that you are NEVER going to re-read all of those books, and that your evolving tastes in genres means there are books in the TBR pile that no longer appeal.

Begin with the simple ones first–college textbooks. You know what I'm talking about. They’re the ones you couldn't sell back to the bookstore and that have been sealed in a box in the closet or basement storage space. No matter the subject or how long you hang on to them, it is highly unlikely that you will ever need or want that book again. Get rid of it!

Next, children’s books. If you do not have kids of your own, or are never visited by small children, it’s time to go through the “kiddie lit” and see what you can discard. Do you really need all those Little Golden Books? I’ll allow you the Shel Silverstein and the collection of Grimm’s fairy tales, but unless it’s a rare collectors edition, add it to the donation box.

Which now brings us to the remainder of your collection, and the part that gets more difficult. It’s time to go through those boxes and shelves, one at a time. Don’t feel this is a chore that has to be completed in one day, unless you are held to a moving schedule. Remember to be brutally honest with yourself, and admit that your reading preferences may have changed over the years. What you thought you might read or re-read ten or twenty years ago may no longer appeal to you. Admit that there are authors or genres you no longer like, and that you don’t remember what every book is about. If you cannot remember a book by reading the title or back cover blurb, consider discarding it. Also look for duplicate copies—at one time or another we’ve all bought a book we didn’t remember buying, only to later discover it in our TBR pile.

Once this chore is done, it’s time to decide what to do with the castaways. Unless a book is in truly poor condition, do not throw it away. Instead, offer books to friends or family. Set out a "free books" box in the lobby or cafeteria at work, or in the lobby of your apartment building. Encourage others to add books they no longer want to the box as well. Just remember that you are trying to get rid of books, not adopt all of those abandoned by friends, neighbors or coworkers.

If you want to try to earn a little money back on them, consider the following options:

--Sell at a Yard/Garage sale
--Sell to a used bookstore
--Sell online at sites such as eBay or Amazon

It is very unlikely, however, that you will sell all of the books you put out on the table and, since most used books go for very little (though hardcovers may go for a bit more than paperbacks), you certainly won’t make much money on them. If making even the smallest profit doesn’t matter to you, consider donating those books to a worthy cause. Here are some suggestions:


CHILDREN’S, YOUNG ADULT, or REFERENCE BOOKS:
--Children’s hospital (many do annual book drives to restock their shelves)
--Schools (Daycare, Preschool, Elementary–check locally to see if they would be interested)
--Community Centers
--Church (for use in common areas, rummage sales, or donation boxes)
--Charity shop (Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul’s, etc)
--Clubs (e.g.: Boys & Girls Club)

*Also consider donating old magazines to all of the above. In addition to being good reference material, many clubs or classes might also use them in art or other projects.


ADULT BOOKS:
--Community/Senior Centers
--Church
--Charity shop (Goodwill, St Vincent de Paul’s, etc)
--Learning Centers/Literacy programs
--Nursing/Retirement homes
--Veteran’s hospitals
--Public Library (Many community libraries hold weekly or monthly book sales to raise funds for new material or equipment)
--Jails/Prisons (Check locally to see how to go about doing this. Many correctional institutions only allow books sent via a bookstore or publisher, however, some also allow donations through special programs.)
--US Military Troops through such programs as http://www.booksforsoldiers.com/, http://www.anysoldier.com/ or http://www.operationpaperback.com/


FOREIGN LANGUAGE BOOKS:
--High School or University libraries
--Learning Centers/Literacy programs


True, thinning out your private book collection will be no easy task, but it can be done–and think of the pleasure your old friends might bring to someone else in need. Not to mention the extra money for those sold, or the room you’ll have for new books.