I had intended to write this blog about my Little Free Library, but it was going to be a different blog. I was going to write about the things I’ve learned having a Little Free Library in my front yard: I put it there for the people in my neighborhood, a working class neighborhood with many immigrant families, far away from any public library.
I’ve been a teacher and a reading specialist. Reading is important. The concept of the Little Free Library was so exciting to me that I installed one myself. I saw it as my community service to make good books available to people who may not have a lot, especially the children. (This is the little library when it was brand new. It’s been repainted.)
I’ve discovered that adults get more use out of it than any other age group. That’s okay. I’m for reading, regardless of age.
I’ve also noticed that people will often drive up in their late-model cars, take a book or three (or more) adult books, get back in their car and drive back to their own neighborhood.
The sign on one side of the library now says, TAKE A BOOK, RETURN A BOOK, READ A BOOK and on the other, side TAKE A BOOK, LEAVE A BOOK, ENJOY A BOOK. Most of the books taken are never returned or replaced. So little free libraries are not really lending libraries, they are taking libraries, which is okay. I just want folks to read. I regularly replace books—two or three at a time—and am happy to do so.
Sometimes nice people leave a few books, which is appreciated. One time I found two sacks of beautiful children’s books on my front porch with a note attached: We’re moving. We’ve lived in this neighborhood for the last five years. My children and I have enjoyed your little free library and want to give it some of our favorite books. It was unsigned. I treasure that little note.
Sometimes local authors drop off a few of their books. I love when that happens.
Some people leave books and pamphlets that are religious indoctrination—proselyting. I’d rather they didn’t.
Other times I find the library is stuffed with books someone has left. It looks like they found my curbside library to be a convenient dumpster for their unwanted books. Sometimes they are even dumped on the ground around the library. (Note: if you don’t want them, I probably won’t either.)
I try to keep books in the Little Free Library—infant/toddler, primary grades, middle grades, middle school, young adult, and adult—that are recent publications, bestsellers, classics, educational and entertaining. Mostly fiction, some nonfiction.
Now strange things are happening:
!.) When I left my house Saturday, I noticed that the library had been stuffed with 20-30 books that didn’t fit, since it was already well-stocked. They were crammed in helter-skelter, willy-nilly, with no order. I had to leave, so I planned to spend part of today (Monday) organizing it, removing unwanted “dump” books and keeping some, and making it look inviting again.
2.) Well, imagine my surprise—shock— when I drove into my driveway today and found my little library’s door wide open, and the
library completely cleaned out. Empty. Not a single book was left: 75- 100 books, GONE. I don’t know, maybe the thief needs the books more than my neighborhood does.
Fortunately, it was not vandalized, just burglarized.
Thought: Is taking ALL the books from this little library the ultimate in book banning?
The library has stood curbside at my house for several years. Generally, people respect and support it. So this was a shock. However—(trying to stay in a positive frame of mind)—it gives me a chance to start over, to fill it with books I believe my “customers” will appreciate and enjoy.
That’s what I’ll do. I just needed to vent. My Little Free Library, which has been so rewarding and fulfilling from day-one, will continue to be.