A man named Todd Bol in the small town of Hudson in northern Wisconsin had a great idea in the fall of 2009—to put a small book exchange in his front yard to honor the memory of his mother. Since then, little free libraries have been spreading all over the U.S. and to several continents. There are many in Wisconsin, and an amazing concentration in my neighborhood on the near east side of Madison. We are quite literary—and it seems we like to share our love of books.
There is an organization to encourage the proliferation of these free libraries. Their web site has lots of information including building plans and suggestions. (Remember that libraries must keep out the rain and snow to protect their books.) Libraries can be registered and appear on a map so people in search of libraries can find them. I'm guessing that Madison with about 60 registered little libraries—and probably some freelance ones—is one of the country's leaders in this movement.
The other morning a friend and I took a few books with us and spent a pleasant hour cycling around our neighborhood looking for free libraries. We found ten. They are all cute and each unique. Many are made with recycled materials. I found some good books to trade for.
Most little libraries are in people's front yards but we also found one next to a community center, and a couple at businesses. Anyone who wants to found a little free library can do so.
Librarians everywhere, I salute you!
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4 comments:
What a fun bike-ride! My sister just sent me the link to the Little Free Library the other day...a subtle hint, perhaps, to "found" one here in my northern woods. Perhaps I shall!
I think it would be great fun. I read about people have open houses for their library. It can become a real community.
Fab!
What a great Idea! I looked at their website and so far there seems to be none in the Netherlands. I'll think about it. Don't know if it will work here in the city...
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