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A trip to our little free library

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We love visiting our local library branch. It truly is one of our most favourite places to visit, all year round. However, we recently discovered a new library branch in our neighbourhood...a little free library. Have you heard of the little free library phenomenon? If you head to the little free library website you will learn about these are beautifully crafted boxes that people install in an easily accessible location on their property. The boxes often look like small buildings. Inside the box you will find books that are free for the taking. The idea is to take a book to read and leave a book for others to enjoy. A fabulous way to promote literacy. I learned about our little library recently and my daughters' and I decided that we would venture over and check out the library on one of our very first days of summer vacation.
close up of library box

It was so exciting when we found the lovely little box along the sidewalk.

girls walking discovering little free library
girls with library box

When we opened the door my girls chose one book and we picked up an information flyer.

reading the pamphlet inside the box
Now, because we didn't know what to expect we actually didn't have a book to leave behind. However, we have put together a small pile of children's books that we are going to drop off this week. The girls even spent some time writing little notes inside the books for whomever picks them up in the future.

inside cover of book with note from child inside

I love the whole idea of these little libraries. They really are quite delightful. We are tempted to install one on our property. However, we live at the top of a rather big hill and at a very busy corner. I'm just afraid that our little library might not see many visitors and could potentially be vandalized. I must say if that did happen, we would be devastated. So, for now we will frequent our local branch. We also plan on checking out the map on the Little Free Library website and seek out other locations in neighbouring cities.

Is there a Little Free Library in your town? Do you have one on your property?

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More book activity

About Jen

Jen Farr is a mother living in Toronto, Canada. She has been sharing her DIY crafts, recipes, activities and parenting advice for over 15 years on her blog Kitchen Counter Chronicle. Jen is the mom of 2 lovely daughters. She believes in the power of taking small steps that can make big impacts on the world.

Comments

  1. Mama Pea Pod says

    Oh my gosh, what a wonderful idea! I've never heard of such a thing, but am off to check out the link now. Love it! (Of course, it would never work in Hungary as most likely the whole thing would be lifted in the middle of the night!)

    • KitchenCounterChronicles says

      That's funny! You'll have to check out the map and see if there are any near you!

  2. Kierna C says

    Jen, this is a lovely idea & so cool that you have one nearby to visit. I saw a similar thing in Norway once - a whole town full of books shops & little stands like this one - I was in heaven. A couple of year ago I started a scheme like this in the hallway at school, where parents/carers etc. can borrow & leave books - it is very successful.

    • KitchenCounterChronicles says

      Yes, I've heard of a town in Wales that is all book shops too! Good for you to start your own little lending library in the school...great idea.

  3. Jennifer Fischer says

    How great! I featured the Free Little Libraries on my blog once because I thought they were so cool!!

  4. Caryl says

    Wonderful! We just got a Little Free Library, and I'm excited to see it being used like this. 🙂