On my walks through the neighborhood I have encountered a curious thing: a little house-shaped structure mounted on a post, with sliding glass doors enclosing one of my favorite things: books!
Little Free Library in my neighborhood
It is a Little Free Library, part of a worldwide network designed to cultivate the love of reading by setting up free book exchanges.
Gotta love that. I decided to donate a book and take another home, just for fun. I’d like to say my donation was carefully selected after much intensive soul-searching, Top Ten list-making, and pick-pondering, but the truth is I had just visited Bookmamas, our little independent bookstore, where I was given three advance reading copies of books marked NOT FOR RESALE, so I stuck one of those in.
Putting my book into the mix.
The little house-o-books was crammed chock full. Perhaps more people need to stop by and check out the selection.
I came home with a book called Dune Road, by Jane Green. It’s a novel about “divorcee Kit Hargrove (who) has joyfully exchanged the requisite diamond studs and Persian rugs of a Wall Street Widow for a clapboard Cape with sea-green shutters and sprawling impatiens….” Not my usual fare, but hey! I’m open.
Me and my find
I just love the coziness of the little structure, and the community feel of it. I want one in front of my house! (Neighbor-readers out there: do you know if this little library’s stewards made it by hand–or other details about it? No one was home when I knocked–or perhaps they were hiding from the camera phone-wielding/windblown/book-crazy stranger on their doorstep).
I was just wrapping this post up when the friend working across from me at the coffee shop mentioned that Tuesday is World Book Night, wherein book-lovers sign up to distribute 20 copies of a book–printed and shipped pro bono, with authors foregoing royalties–to people who don’t regularly read. She had ordered a box of books to pass out, so we stopped over at Bookmamas to pick it up.
Special edition books for World Book Night, designated to be given away
Anyone out there ever participated in a book exchange or giveaway? Are you participating in World Book Night? Chime in and let us know what’s going on in your neck of the woods.
Shawndra Miller 
what a great idea…
That book exchange kiosk is such a lovely idea…
I love books too, and I love that little white library. Reminds me of a mailbox, and I love mailboxes. “Pass the book” is a very fine thing … thank you Shawndra for sharing … pictures and words ❤ Birgitte
My pleasure.
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Thanks so much for this honor! Will definitely check it out.
You are welcome
I love it. Reminds me of a glorious summer when the town bookmobile parked in front of our house.
I would have been in heaven!
Now that is something I haven’t encountered yet. Maybe I will start one in this neighborhood. I love to read. Awesome Info, Thanks a ton.
LOVE IT!!! Please tell me where 🙂 I prioritized & donated a lot of my library when i moved, but have *one* book that was given to me & needs a new home. How perfect!
Lovely! We have those in my neighborhood as well. 🙂 I have yet to use one..
– Laura
Wow! I have never heard of or used such a library! What a fabulous idea! I wish we had one in my neighborhood! Melissa, Iron PT Office Manager
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At my church we have a book cart full of books people have brought in. You can take one and keep it as long as you want. But I like the neighborhoody community feel of the book house.
I love this idea coming from Australia I have never come across this type of thing before its awesome!!
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Hello Australia! Thanks for your comment. Would love to see you set up a little free library down under!
I am purchasing my own farm a little later this year and I think I will!.