Do you have a free little library in your area?

[obiebookworm]

I have not seen one in my area; however, my dentist has a free library bookcase. People drop off books while others swap. It's pretty cool!

[Ella]

I wish! Many times I've thought about starting one at work, but there really is no place to put it

[FNAWrite]

Do you mean like the Oberlin Public Library on Main Street in Oberlin, OH - where you live?

I'm lucky, I have two public libraries within 3 miles of my home.

[obiebookworm]

I wish! Many times I've thought about starting one at work, but there really is no place to put it

Sounds like a great idea! Maybe you'll come up with something yet - maybe a stowaway rack.

-- 27 Jan 2014, 11:38 --

Do you mean like the Oberlin Public Library on Main Street in Oberlin, OH - where you live?

I'm lucky, I have two public libraries within 3 miles of my home.

No, I'm talking about someone in the neighborhood setting up an oversized mailbox/enclosed shelving unit that is near the street for people to stop by and pick up free books or swap:
http://littlefreelibrary.org/

[FNAWrite]

"someone in the neighborhood setting up an oversized mailbox/enclosed shelving unit that is near the street for people to stop by and pick up free books or swap"

Never heard of such a thing. I took a quick look at the site - there are two about 25 miles away from me., the rest are an hour or more from me.

I have however seen things akin to TV stands with books and a "FREE" sign on them; not all that often, I'm sure less than a dozen times in my life.

Maybe since, as I noted, I live in a library rich neighborhood, no one ever saw any need.

I don't know. To me a table of free books is cool. This seems to me to be very much like a children's feel good project (not saying it is, but it is how it presents as to me).

[obiebookworm]

"someone in the neighborhood setting up an oversized mailbox/enclosed shelving unit that is near the street for people to stop by and pick up free books or swap"

Never heard of such a thing. I took a quick look at the site - there are two about 25 miles away from me., the rest are an hour or more from me.

I have however seen things akin to TV stands with books and a "FREE" sign on them; not all that often, I'm sure less than a dozen times in my life.

Maybe since, as I noted, I live in a library rich neighborhood, no one ever saw any need.

I don't know. To me a table of free books is cool. This seems to me to be very much like a children's feel good project (not saying it is, but it is how it presents as to me).

Certainly, I can see how this could be a "children's feel good project." However, it appears that in some places it's more than that since there are areas lacking libraries, so the little library becomes a "win-win" for all ages. I looked at the map, too. Looks like I have a small handful in the surrounding areas, which is quite interesting since Ohio has libraries galore!

[FNAWrite]

it appears that in some places it's more than that since there are areas lacking libraries

I thought of this. I live in the 'burbs in possibly the richest society in the world - libraries, book stores and flea markets (.25 a piece) abound. The two closest 'Little Libraries" to me (and most others in my state) are perhaps surprisingly in urban areas.

My guess would be that there are quite a few more of these types of "libraries", just unaffiliated.

On a peripherally related subject, any bookmobiles in your area? My county library runs one with a claimed 4,000 titles on board; browsing the schedule, it appears they make a few dozen stops a month at locations within the county.

[TrishaAnn92]

Hm...I have never heard of that! That is really interesting! And a very good way to give access to books to people who may not have access.

[Ella]

A lot of people don't particularly like going to the library, but if they pass a 'little free library' or a free 'book table' etc. they are more apt to browse and grab something. And may even drop something off on their way past again. Also, they don't have to worry about due dates, fees, check-out or whatever. I may find a tiny little book corner around here yet

[silverbond]

Sadly there are no Little free Library's in my area i may have to contact the Library about setting one up

[FNAWrite]

I don't think you have to contact the library about setting up your own lending library.

Look at the linked website or just put some books on a table in the front yard.

[obiebookworm]

I don't think you have to contact the library about setting up your own lending library.

Look at the linked website or just put some books on a table in the front yard.

I concur!!

[silverbond]

That seems like a great idea i might just do that

[Fran]

I think my desk at work probably qualifies as a little library - books circulate, take brief rests & some have kinda put down roots, but everyone in my building knows it as the place to go if you want to borrow a book or pass on one you've read.

[obiebookworm]

I think my desk at work probably qualifies as a little library - books circulate, take brief rests & some have kinda put down roots, but everyone in my building knows it as the place to go if you want to borrow a book or pass on one you've read.

Certainly!!! Those are the best!