I was running an errand in Upper Montclair when I passed by this house. I’ve been seeing little library structures outside of homes for years, but this one impressed me as it’s a very accurate copy of the actual home, down to the side porch and blue front door.
As long as I’ve seen these “take a book, share a book” structures, I didn’t realize before today that there’s an organization that promotes and encourages these things, called “Little Free Library.” It’s a nonprofit organization based in based in my home state of Minnesota, with a mission to be a “…catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Library book-exchange boxes.” They have a shop where you can buy a pre-built library, in addition to plans you can buy if you want to build your own.
I’m curious, though, how many people use these? I think I’ve taken a book once or twice over the years, but have never given or deposited a book, as I don’t really think to carry around extra books in the event I see one of these where I could donate it. If you’re an active participant in Little Free Libraries, share your thoughts in the comments section below.