The Little Free Library Box

in ThoughtfulDailyPost2 years ago (edited)


Reading is something that I have loved my entire life. You could find me curled up in a corner of an upholstered chair, where I would open up the cover of the book and dive right in. I never came up for air until the last word was read or it was dinnertime, whichever came first.

My love for them has never diminished, encouraged by school book fairs, library time, and rainy days where no excuse was needed. Reading gave us a bank of knowledge to draw on, a mystery to ponder over, or a fantasy to dream about. Did you imagine yourself as one of the characters in the book, or did you change it to suit your needs?


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Hardcover books were quite expensive, but the nature books were more often than not, hardcover. I have to say that from my perspective, the pictures were quite incredible. I treasured each book I got and my brothers and I swapped titles until we had read them all. We were addicted to the written word.

Eventually, I grew up and had children of my own, all three of them. Each one came into their own with books and reading. It was so wonderful to watch them as their individual tastes developed and there were times when I had to wonder how one of my girls is such a sci-fi fan. I have to ask myself, what did I do wrong? :)


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For a boy scout project, years ago, my son built one of the Little Free Library book boxes for a project. There were guidelines on how to find a location and identify a volunteer, also called a steward, that is basically a caretaker of the box. For me, it was satisfying to see how he wanted to share his love of reading and books, while also making different books available. That was the fun part. Making it all work. While many kids today get their reading on the internet, I can't help but think going to a library instills a love for reading, and develops the habit of reading, fostering brain development and even early math skills. They have family activities, reading time, and all sorts of activities to challenge your children.


Do you have children or grandchildren, nieces or nephews that like to read? Do they like to be read to? My father loved me to read to him, and I indulged him as much as possible. I loved that he still loved to read, even if it was me that was doing the reading. Even I like to be read to! Take turns reading to each other. If you have never been read to, walk over to @prydefoltz profile and let her read to you. I go over there just to have her read to me. She has a great reading voice. Without that, I just want to read to myself. Just saying.

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If you’re thinking of starting a Little Free Library book box, you’ve probably got a lot of questions. Will a Little Free Library work in your neighborhood? What are the benefits of a little library?

How to Start a Little Free Library: Five Easy Steps!
Step One: Identify a Location & Steward. First, decide where you can legally and safely install the library. ...
Step Two: Get a Library. ...
Step Three: Register. ...
Step Four: Set Up Your Steward Account. ...
Step Five: Build Community Support.


Check out the entire article here on how you can start a free library in your neighborhood! See here.

If you noticed, you take one and leave one, this way, there will always be enough books to share. If you don't have one, it is okay, take one anyway, just bring it back, or another. I frequently buy children's books and just put them in there, something different or something classic, just to keep the inventory moving. Kids get excited about the books they see in there and want to find some fun ones to put in there. I see the appeal! It is fun! it fosters so many good things, sharing, caring, reading, and making good choices. So many more, but, first... we need to build or buy a box. :) I put adult books on top, and children on the bottom.

So tell me, tell me, tell me do. What kind of books do you like to read?


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All I have are my words, armed in my mind, written in pen, stand by stand. Oh, yes. Still by hand. It has a different feel. Altered not by keys, backspace, and delete, I write, erase, tear it to pieces and start all over again. And again.

It’s my way. I walk out to the deep end of the page and dive right in.

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These are the hills, these are the woods,
These are my starry solitudes;
And there the river by whose brink
The roaring lions come to drink.

I see the others far away
As if in firelit camp they lay,
And I, like to an Indian scout,
Around their party prowled about.

So, when my nurse comes in for me,
Home I return across the sea,
And go to bed with backward looks
At my dear land of Story-books …

Robert Lewis Stevenson


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You never know what you might find in there. I've found some interesting poetry compendiums along with everything from Harlequin novels to atlases.

They're a great way to promote reading and each box is a great reflection of the person maintaining it.

I love the one we have! They are such fun and wherever we go on the next move, we are sure to keep putting them up and passing them on as we go.

I hope it encourages people to read more and read more to their kids. I agree with you! There are some amazing finds in there. Once a month, I put in something that has just been printed, so it is a fun find for others. It is funny since I have been doing that, others have reciprocated with the new titles that they just purchased and read.

I love their spirit!

I always like seeing those little libraries around. They are such a neat idea. I didn't know that they had stewards and everything.

Did you imagine yourself as one of the characters in the book

I never did. I just read them as they were - stories of other people.

my girl is such a sci-fi fan. I have to ask myself, what did I do wrong? :)

Dont be bashing sci-fi now. Sci-fi is where its at! 😂

They are so cool! We have built a couple of them! We move, pass it off and build another. Rinse. Repeat.

If they dont have a caretaker, it will get forgotten.

You are the first to say that! No imagining other characters!

Everyone except me loves sci-fi! Lol i have never cared for it.

Usually, I would keep the book the way it was. Sometimes I would be the character, sometimes just an observer, and other times a friend.

For me, there was often more fun once I was done and I enjoyed the book. If I wanted more and there were no other books going on with the story I’d just go off on my adventures with the main character.

Kids were so much more inventive when we were kids! No wonder you are so good at making games. You have that creative gene. I would go off on my own if there were no more books, but, I would have to be the good guy. My brothers always wanted to be the bad guys.

Keeping the book the way it was is the easiest. Otherwise, you have to remember what you changed and how... Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your words!

Have a great night!

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That's so sweet. Thanks, Denise. I love those little libraries too. These days I read what my son is reading. So ... Wimpy Kid anyone:)

Haha! I do remember reading Wimpy Kid... Don't worry, they eventually run out of words on that one.

I love those little libraries and I feel like there is less reading going on. I wish they knew how important it is and how it is different learning to read online and reading a book.

Hi. Pryde! Hope you are having a great night!

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Love to you:)

Good morning dear @dswigle !

What a great initiative you have had! Here in the city where I live in Argentina this idea has been implemented but unfortunately bandalism has destroyed several of these outdoor libraries. Still there are those who continue with this beautiful project.

Every night we read a story to our little ones. They don't know what it's like to go to sleep without listening to a story.

My oldest daughter is a great reader and at 9 years old she reads very, very well. She immerses herself in the stories which is wonderful because it keeps her fantasy world alive through time.

I loved your publication.

Big hug

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That is so wonderful to hear! I do love these little libraries and I think they serve a purpose. My kids never went to sleep without a story, it was the part of the day they looked forward to. I remember my kids' favorite part of that ritual, they would ask if I could make up a story and I would have to think up a story to tell. They all became good storytellers, a part of their fantasies. I think it is important for kids to have these. Maybe I am wrong, but, it felt right to me.

I am glad you encourage reading, many parents feel happy that the internet has taught them these things. I think it teaches them differently.

I am glad to hear that the reading persists, even when they vandalize these. I hope that stops soon. How sad to ruin a small enjoyment of people.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

No way you're wrong @dswigle ! Reading contributes a lot in the formation of children, it makes them think, use their imagination and navigate through a wonderful sea of adventures.

Regarding vandalism is sad but that's what happens! I also celebrate that there are people who, in spite of this, are still betting on this beautiful adventure!

It is a great act of love towards society!

Have a wonderful Tuesday! Big hug

Indeed! Hugs to you! Keep pushing back with the crime! Your children are lucky that you are such an engaging parent!

My inlaws have one of these just down the road from their house. We also have one outside the elementary school where my wife works. I am not sure how much it actually gets used, but it is there. I honestly don't read too much. It is a lot of work for me. I will occasionally read some books on the Kindle app, but takes me forever to get through one.

Maybe you are reading the wrong kind of book? Or when you are tired. I have six brothers and 2 of them never read. They cite the same thing as you, too much work to get through it. To be fair, they are not really computer nerds either, only the needful and the tiniest of social media. The rest are avid readers. We were all raised the same, I just think it is a personality. They love sports, fishing, camping, and working with their hands. I have a Kindle, but, usually take it on trips with me, unless I ran out of books to read. I rarely go to bed without a few minutes of reading, winding down puts me right to sleep. I wouldn't expect the one at the school to be used much, especially if they have a library inside. I don't have an answer for you.

I hope books never fall out of favor to the point of extinction. Look what they have already done to my Borders...

My wife is the same way. She reads a little at night before she goes to sleep or when she takes a nap during the day. I can read Clive Cussler books pretty quickly, but most other stuff I take forever. I am just a slow reader in general.

I am a fast reader, but, I bet you miss little of the details. I can usually read a book twice and pick up a few minor details I missed!

I love the LFL.. I might need to start one in Puerto Rico when I get back..

Yes!! That is such a great idea!! Follow the links to how you apply for the plates. I think it would be pretty awesome to do. Building them is half the fun!! When do you go back? My sister-in-law is from there so I like to visit her family. It is one of my favorite places in the world!

Hey you, thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!

!PIZZA

Good morning 😊
Those little libraries with books are just great. You don’t see them here in Spain. Though.
I can place myself very easily in the main character… but maybe because I “feel” more…
Reading… I have a very broad taste and could read any genre. Just not prefer war ones, so hardly read those. The same with movies too.
My family never read, so I sure don’t have it from them. I can open a book and read it in hours. Very fast.
I do it to less lately, but I’m very busy at the moment.
Have a wonderful Tuesday Denise 👋🏻☀️😁

I have to say that most people place themselves in the main character or the bad guy. :) I didn't believe it, but, the more people I have asked over the years, this is the answer I get. I have one person today that didn't, but that was unusual. Our imagination starts when we are very young. I love when my kids were developing their sense of imagination, playing with boxes and crates, making them part of their world.

I don't blame you for war ones. Too real.

Most of my family (siblings) read, but some don't read at all, ever. It is like a chore for them. I have less time lately, but, I do read a bit before I go to bed. You are busy now! Do you have a date that will move you?

Taco Tuesday! You know it!

That’s what I thought too. Placing themselves in the main character(s), interesting to hear someone didn’t. Will have a look. 😉 nosey me hehehe
Yes, it develops very young. It either stays or goes away slowly. How the little ones believe in the fairytales and all the wonders around us 🥰 this should be stimulated.

Nope still no date, “sigh” a few more changes internally are happening in the company first.
But all good. I’m patient.

Ooo interesting taco Tuesday. I will make black beans with bacon, minced meat and baguette for later. And a salad on the side 😉

Enjoy your day further Denise 👋🏻☀️

It would have been nice to get there in the spring/summer months as it gets winter up there sooner than later, but, it's all good. Autumn is beautiful up there too. People tend to hide in their houses more in the colder months. I love the seasonal changes, so I like the outdoor life.

Black beans with bacon, minced meat, and a baguette! Yummy Always a salad on the side. It is a ritual.

The day is coming along nicely! Mwah!

It would have been nice. But it is what it is 😁 we will see many more 😉 for sure.
Yes, I love the seasonal changes too, and to be outdoors in every one of them. Each has their own personality!

It was yummy, indeed a salad is a must especially in the warmer months. It’s so refreshing.
Great to hear, ours is getting to an end. 😁👋🏻

I love those little free library boxes! And I love a big library, too. When I was very young, my aunt was the librarian in the tiny library in our small town. In those days, the library was strictly a place to check out books and records. There were no programs and activities like there are today. And we made sure we kept our voices low while we were in there. A bookmobile came to our little bitty school, and I loved finding good books in that tiny little space. No wonder I am attracted to the even tinier library boxes on the street.

I love those boxes!!! We have built a few over the years. They are so handy and the kids love them too. I make sure I get both adult books and children's when I am putting a few in.

I loved the library when I was a kid too and keeping your voice down was required. I went all summer long on Wednesdays and got enough books to last me the week. Oh, that was the life and I didn't even know it!

Bookmobiles!! I forgot about those! How about you @scribblingramma! What kind of books do you like? I was just over on Kat's post. I haven't been there is so long, I feel out of touch!

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I like a wide variety of books, including westerns (Zane Grey, Louis L'Amour), mysteries, romances, as well as non-fiction. D.E. Stevenson is a favorite author when I just want to read a nice little story. I own several older copies of books by Gene Stratton Porter, Bess Streeter Aldrich, and Louisa May Alcott. I still enjoy Laura Ingalls Wilder's books, Tolkein, and too many more authors to list.

Did you imagine yourself as one of the characters in the book, or did you change it to suit your needs?

I did both. And I did other things too. And I also imagined being amongst the characters. Both as a human, and as other beings.

I know that I already mentioned them (maybe even multiple times), but for example Jess E. Owen (author from the USA) and Szakács Eszter (author from Hungary) writes beautiful, wonderful, very detailed and immersive fantasy books with complete/entire worlds.

If anyone would like to experience awesome fantasy books, then I gladly recommend their books. They are one of my favorites nowadays.

Have a nice day. All the best. Greetings and much love from Hungary.

That is fine, when we are talking about books, it makes sense to bring them up again. Very detailed fantasy books are exactly what my youngest daughter reads and has enjoyed these types of books since she was young.

I will have to recommend those authors to her, but, I almost bet she knows them. She reads anything she can get her hands on.

Thank you so much for the comment and the recommendations! Have a great day!

!PIZZA

Very detailed fantasy books are exactly what my youngest daughter reads and has enjoyed these types of books since she was young.

I will have to recommend those authors to her, but, I almost bet she knows them. She reads anything she can get her hands on.

Szakács Eszter (at least nowadays) writes books only in Hungarian, so she (your youngest daughter) need to be able to read Hungarian to understand her (the author's) books.

As I know, Jess E. Owen writes only English books, so she will certainly understand those books.

Good luck and all the best.

Thank you. I will check her out. They are translating so many books nowadays.

I appreciate your looking them up for me!

I so love the idea ♥️ The world might be in the modern day where gadgets are essential than books. But, I owe a lot to books because I remembered my mom used to buy story books when I was still on my kindergarten and she let me read all of those so that I can an articulate person when I grow up.

My kids will remember the first books that they picked out. I like all the tools they have now, but, in some ways, I think it has robbed many children of their imagination and their need to learn how to fit in, instead of playing solo.

There are still many good reasons to dive into a book.

I love that colorful little library box and the idea of it. I have never seen one for real, so if there are any around here, I am not aware.

I wasn't an avid reader as a child. I liked reading ok, but spent more time out playing instead when I could. I didn't really come into it just for the sake or reading till after I grew up and left home. Thing is, once started, I didn't like stopping till the book was done, so it kind of dominated things and well, that wasn't always a good thing....LOL ! Too many times I read too long into the night, just a few more pages ....or just one more chapter.... when I needed to get up for work or other important things and then did not get enough sleep. Ugh.. the good and the bad of it. I read more on the net now than books. I like books and magazines and.... I just don't do those much anymore.

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amazing beauty from you dear. Thanks for bringing this up @dswigle .

I think they serve a purpose, which is the important thing, Thanks so much, Sam. @mcsamm

Have a wonderful afternoon over there!

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By reading we can also add insight or knowledge, because for me in a book there must be a lot of knowledge that we can use.

Hello! I guess it depends on what you read! :)

yes friend

I do love seeing these little libraries, I know I have shots of a few of them around here, but never got around to putting them into a post

I must admit when I was younger I was an avid reader, but its been years since I picked up a book, partially because when I was so hyper and on the go in the field whenever I tried to read a book I would doze off within a couple of pages LOL

That is so great Denise. I hope I could also have a little free library box in school for I am an educator. This is a great idea to have outside the campus. We have a library but this idea is so great. Thank you so much for sharing this.