Little Free Library

[Aggie1]

I have been putting painted rocks in little free library boxes when I’m out walking my dog. It occurred to me “why not host your own?!” I looked them up and they are anything but free to buy. You could easily spend $500 on a starter kit. What to do?

 

my daughter is buying a new cat tree so I’m thinking I could take a couple of the boxes from the old one, stack them, coat them with plexiglas, and mount them on a pole in the front of the house and stock them with friendly and welcoming books.

 

First, are there any “handy-gals” in this group who could advise on feasibility or design issues especially weather proofing.

 

Second, I’d welcome any ideas on books to stock it with.

 

I can envision people out walking their dogs walking by the house checking out a book. I would also like to place a pail next to the library filled with rocks with the top layer of painted rocks with inspiring messages on them with an invitation to take one or leave one.

 

ideas are welcome!

[tracy_j]

It's a good idea, particularly with the books. Personally I would be less sure about the rocks dependant on your local vandal situation.

 

Here in the Uk we have 'book exchanges' which have become more common recently as local councils run down their library services due to expense and underuseage due to the internet. These exchanges started off in corners of shops but have now developed a bit. It is not unusual for the old red telephone kiosks to be used  as they are waterproof and of sturdy construction. Telephone kiosks are being phased out for phone contact due to predominant mobile useage. The kiosk I visit is ideal as it holds perhaps a couple of hundred books (I have never counted) and seems to be well used. Mostly the books are fiction. It does require regular supervision though as people do come along and dump a stack at a time.

 

Occasionally people have small stalls outside their houses but these are more for produce rather than books. I don't see why not though.

 

Tracy