Page 13 - Allison Van Wig's MAGAZINE Good To Be Home Summer of 2022

Little Free These mini libraries are

Libraries: run on an honor system,

and anyone can donate a book.

SHARING BOOKS

IN SMALL PLACES You might have spotted something by purchasing a sign from the organization.

called a Little Free Library, a container
The plaque will be inscribed with your
sometimes mounted on a post and library’s unique charter number, and then
filled with books, in your neighborhood. you can add your location to the Little Free
written by: LAUREN KIM
photos by: LITTLE FREE LIBRARY, These volunteer-led, miniature libraries Library online map, which shows where
UNLESS NOTED are part of a book-sharing movement to find registered libraries worldwide. The
started by Little Free Library, a organization gives registered Little Free
nonprofit organization founded in 2012 Library owners a steward’s packet filled

that’s based in Hudson, Wisconsin. with tips and advice, access to discounted
There are at least 125,000 registered books, and membership to a Facebook
Little Free Libraries in 110 countries support group.
around the world.
Become a librarian

How it works You can build your own Little Free Library
These mini libraries are run on an honor even if you aren’t handy. Some libraries
photo by: LAUREN KIM For instance, you could add a children’s repurposed newspaper vending boxes, and
system, and anyone can donate a book.
have been created from old mailboxes,

even plastic storage bins. Your book-sharing
publication or pick out a novel to read
box only needs a door or a lid and enough
yourself. If you borrow something, you can
keep it if you like, but you are encouraged to
weatherproofed space to hold a small
donate a book in return.
collection of items to read. You can decorate
or paint your structure however you like.
Launch your own Once your library is up and running, be

To create a library, you can build your sure to check it regularly to keep it clean
own structure or purchase one from the and well-stocked.
association; its website provides free
building plans and installation tips. Once For more info, visit littlefreelibrary.org
you have your box set up, you can register it

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