“ Books have stopped bullets — reading could save your life .” “ Dinosaurs didn ’ t read — dinosaurs are extinct — coincidence ?” “ Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are .”
For the name plates , inside the library is a plastic container with a felt pen and labels and instructions . Because I ’ m a frequent flyer at the Little Red Barn , I use my staple gun to attach any labels that have been left since my last visit to the library base .
Other LFLs have their own special extras : children ’ s toys , food for the needy , slips to start plants , a journal to leave suggested readings — the possibilities seem endless .
Are they effective ? Necessary ? Community builders ? When I asked my friends who either operate or frequent a Little Free Library , I got these responses :
• While out on an adventure at our local splash park , my two young boys were more interested in checking out the Little Free Library than playing in the water .
• I like to describe them as coral reefs for community .
• Tiny free libraries are a beautiful symbol of community in an age so easily dominated by the lack of human interaction in social media .
• Our little libraries are well used and offer a real range of topics . The kids ’ books are particularly appreciated .
• I get pretty excited when I find a new one .
Intrigued ? Think you might like to try one ? Russ Schnell , born and raised in Castor , Alberta , and now living in Boulder , Colorado , has his own special “ this helps me get started ” idea : a cupboard door . Stores that sell recycled materials or online sources are a fruitful source . Russ has been so successful that he has erected over seventy Little Free Libraries around the world . He even boasts one at the South Pole !
As the saying goes , “ There are three types of people : those who make things happen , those who watch things happen , and those who sit and wonder , ‘ What happened ?’” I challenge you to be the first type — and start making it happen just around the corner .
Jock Mackenzie finds joy in playing the role of “ The Book Guy .” He repurposes books to the Food Bank , the Christmas Bureau , seniors ’ homes , thrift stores , and Little Free Libraries .
The ACER-CART Canadian Photo Gallery is online ! Join other cross-Canada members in celebrating the beauty of Canada . Enjoy what ’ s been submitted , and learn how to participate yourself by visiting acer-cart . org .