This summer in the
library, the Jr. Friends have been working on one of my favorite volunteer
projects of the season, the Morrill Memorial Library’s version of “little free
libraries”; those gnome-like creations that have been springing up for years
across the country, and more recently in the Boston area. As far as I know, and I would love to be
proven wrong about this, there are none in Norwood. Or shall I say, none “yet”.
The simple concept
behind these Lilliputian libraries began in Wisconsin in 2009, by Todd Bol who
built the first little free library and filled it with books for all to take in
honor of his mother, a book lover, who had passed away. The library was physically small, no larger
than an oversized mailbox, but the idea took off like a cheesy romance
novel. People of all walks of life who
had seen the libraries in places that they had visited began planting these
birdhouse like structures on their front lawns and filling them with books, and
looking with pleasure as neighbors helped themselves. Take a book, leave a book has always been the
motto of the free library, although if you have no book to leave no on minds. There are no library cards, no over dues, and
no set collection of books, although some collections may reflect a local
flavor.
So why has it
become so popular? The idea seems quite simple, fill a container with books for
all to enjoy. But I believe it is
because it is so much more; this is community involvement at its best. This is a desire to reach out to your
neighbors, make new friends, share ideas.
What better way to build a sense of community and pride than by building
and sustaining neighborhood libraries that will ultimately take on the
personalities in size, shape, and collections of those who use them?
So this summer I
am jumping on this idealistic community movement, in hopes of igniting a small
flame. The Jr. Friends of the Library
have been busy packing cardboard boxes filled with library donations of children’s
books. Each box contains about 20 books;
a combination of easy readers, chapter books, and teen books. All of the books are popular, and although
they are all in good shape, most aren’t perfect as they have been “previously
loved”. But the boxes are decorated, and
the books are free to children. There is
only one rule: take a book if you would like one. The hope is that everyone will leave a book
when they can to continue this wonderful tradition. The boxes will sprout up in places that
children frequent, like ice cream stores, supermarkets, and laundry mats.
Perhaps one day
soon more “little free libraries will mysteriously appear in Norwood
neighborhoods, featuring the style, skill, and creativity of the maker or
makers. Building plans, suggestions and
ideas are avaiIable online, and this would make a wonderful project for a Scout
group. Be sure to email me if you should
decide to launch your own library, I will be sure stop by to check it out and
borrow a book.
