Our Very Own Free Library
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If you’re on Pinterest, then you have probably heard of these cute community libraries!
These little “free” libraries started popping up in various parks throughout my city, and I was instantly hooked! I loved the idea that someone on their daily walk would be able to take a break and browse through loved books.
Ever since I saw my first “Free Library” it became a dream of mine to have my own but I never thought it would be possible.
My husband and I have been working hard over the last year turning our track home into our very own Suburban Farmhouse. We are making each feature unique to us and really creating the home of our dreams.
WELL, last month my dream came true, and we installed our very own Free Library!!!
Isn’t it beautiful?!
As soon as it was installed, I got my box of read Book of The Month Books and quickly filled it.
OUR WHY
“I have lived a thousand lives, and I’ve loved a thousand loves. I’ve walked on distant worlds and seen the end of time. Because I read.”― George R.R. Martin
Reading has always been a huge part of my life. Books allow you to travel the world, live a thousand lives, teach you new things, and so much more.
So much has been lost in this day of technology. Such as getting to know your neighbors (or even waving at them for that matter), playing outside, and reading something, not on a screen.
We wanted to create something for our neighborhood that would benefit everyone.
I kid you not -we had it up for 15 minutes when a mom and son walked up to it and started going through the books. Her son donated his favorite childhood book and grabbed his FIRST chapter book.
Since we have had the library installed, I have met so many wonderful neighbors! It was the best feeling in the world chatting with them and seeing what a difference this is going to make into our community. I have seen young and old walk up to donate a book and then stifle through the vast selection trying to find their new favorite book!
WHAT’S IN OUR LIBRARY?
It was important to me to not fill it full of my unwanted books but instead full of my FAVORITE books!
I included books that taught me a lesson, shaped me as a person, or broadened my horizon. It was important to me to share these books in hopes that it would touch someone they way they did me.
Some of the books I donated are:
Edgar Allan Poe’s Complete Works
If you haven’t read any of those books, I HIGHLY suggest you read them next!! All are vastly different, but each has their own character, lessons, and influence in life.
TIPS FOR YOUR OWN FREE LIBRARY
DON’T BE AFRAID!
Everyone tried to talk us out of it fearing it would get destroyed or vandalized. Yet we have seen nothing but love and respect. Almost on a daily basis, I come home to new books, and they are all organized nice and neat.
Spread The Word
As soon as we installed it, we got on the app Nextdoor and connected with those in our area inviting them to come check it out.
Ask Others To Write a Note
I ask everyone who donates a book or returns a book, to write a little note inside the cover for the next reader. It’s always so special when you are reading a used book and come across little notes or things underlined. Something so simple connects you to previous readers and as the years go on that note will always be there.
Don’t Use Real Glass
There is absolutely no reason to use real glass in the door. Using a plexiglass takes away any risk of having it vandalized and leaving shattered glass everywhere creating a safety hazard.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Installing a Free Library does nothing but good for your community and the more, the merrier! If you have been thinking about having your own TAKE THIS AS YOUR SIGN!
You will meet so many wonderful people and be able to witness first hand the joy it brings others.
“Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest to you.”-Mother Teresa
Thank you for reading!
Xoxo,
Mariah
