Little Free Libraries: My New Favorite Idea

Look what's been popping up around my neighborhood this summer...



And another...

A mini phone booth of books!


And another...

Seriously amazing, right?



Someone painted "Books"
in red across the top!
And even more!


Isn't the panda and Chinese theme cute?



They're called Little Free Libraries (read more about 'em here), and the idea is that anyone can stop by, pick out a book for free, and return the selection (or one of their own!) to any of the locations. These are all in people's front lawns so it's like a roving library around town. I think it's fantastic. They're fun and creative to look at, not to mention FREE BOOKS! What's not to love?!

What do you think? Have you seen any cropping up around your neck of the woods?

Housekeeping

Check out the new options for following the blog in the sidebar, and apologies for being a bit scarce in the comments trails lately. Wrapping up summer and getting into the swing of my new teaching gig in the evenings, so I'm ready to get back on track heading into fall.*


*You all realize, of course, this may be wishful thinking!

18 comments:

  1. I've heard of these too and love the idea of the free books you could pick up at someone's yard.

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  2. What a cool idea. They look like birdhouses - only for books! Oh, I wish that would catch on here. I have a ton of books I'd gladly give away just to regain some space in my den.

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  3. Oh, I would love one of those in my yard! Now to get someone talented to build it!

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  4. I've not seen these around my neighborhood but if they ever catch on here in Utah they'll go crazy because it has a large population of children and parents who are pro-reading and strong on education. It's a fabulous idea and I can't wait until it catches on everywhere!

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  5. They're adorable! I've seen telephone boxes here in the UK that are similar; packed to the brim with books! It's like heaven.

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  6. I've seen many on the Internet but have yet to encounter one on real life. I live the idea, though. Maybe I'll put the first one around here...

    Hope you had a great summer Nicole and I wish you the best on your new teaching gig!!

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  7. So awesome! I can't believe this exists! I might try to start this in Jamaica.

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  8. Natalie - I'd heard of the idea and then suddenly, poof!, they were appearing all around!

    Alex - Definitely some great building talent on display.

    L.G. - Birdhouses for books! Love it.

    Yolanda - Talented for sure. And, for the rest of us, I think they have kits too. ;)

    Karen - Did you look at the map on their site? Looks like there are several in Utah. Maybe they're getting close to you!

    Jamie - Actual telephone boxes full of books?! Awesome!

    Emily - I know, right?

    Georgina - Thanks for the well wishes on teaching. :)

    Sheena-Kay - Oh, that would be so cool to start it in Jamaica.

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  9. I've never seen one of those, but they seem like a wonderful idea. A great book exchange program!

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  10. Oh my gosh, I love the little free libraries! How wonderful!

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  11. What a great idea! There should be more free libraries like that around.

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  12. I LOVE this! What an amazing way to encourage sharing and reading!

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  13. Those are very cute! Where are these phone boxes, Jamie? I must track them down. :)

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  14. What I thought when I first saw these, years ago: Yes, it's a cute idea, and I'm all for it, PROVIDED those who build and use these things also use their actual free libraries. Real libraries are under assault from many directions, with people saying they aren't needed any more even while they are being more heavily used. The little free libraries are a nice addition, but they are no replacement for actual libraries.

    I'm biased, of course, because I'm a librarian!

    Here from Jon Gibbs's livejournal, btw.

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  15. None in my neighborhood. But I love the idea!!

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  16. Those little bird houses holding the books are so adorable. I haven't seen any of these in my area....yet!

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