available via the website that provide approximately

20 different styles of pre-made libraries

in various colors , including the popular limitededition

replica of Bol ’ s original structure , participants

can also choose to create their own .

Suzi White is the owner of a standout library

on Begonia Avenue in Corona del Mar . The Tiki

Book Barn , as it is lovingly called , was created this

past spring , made to look like a Polynesian hut

with a slanted roof , bamboo shoots and a special

plaque with two pineapples that reads “ Tiki bar .”

“ My husband , Bruce , made … [ it ] out of a discarded

cabinet and scraps of wood and bamboo ,”

she notes , adding that she prefers to keep a mix

of romance novels , thrillers , self-help books and

historical fiction . “ I love the whole idea of the

Little Free Libraries ,” she says . “ If we are able to

contribute , even just a little bit , in getting people

to read more , then it ’ s all worthwhile .”

Little Free Library boxes in front of private homes

Another library , located near the Back Bay

shoreline , was created by Kayla Gottlieb as a

community service project when she was only 13

says . Crafted by her father in his workshop , the

which new titles catch their eye .

years old . Also unique in nature , Gottlieb made

Balboa Island box features paintings and mosa-

While the community aspect is important

the structure using skateboards .

ics of sea creatures created by her mother .

in local neighborhoods , it is especially vivid at

DeMarco-Barrett painted her library herself ,

local institutions that have implemented one

placing red and yellow accents on a seafoam

COMING TOGETHER

of these miniature libraries . According to Jill

green base . She adorned a second box , designed

While encouraging a love for reading is

Musser preschool director at Christ Church

specifically for children ’ s books , with a Dr .

almost always what motivates residents to

by the Sea , the local community was the main

Seuss-inspired painting as well as other kid-

install a Little Free Library , it ’ s the interaction

reason they decided to create one . “ We want to

friendly characters . In her adult-oriented box ,

with the local community that truly makes it

always be a source of light for the community ,”

find sneak peeks of upcoming novels — sent for

worthwhile for most .

she explains . “… It ’ s a smell gesture , but fun for

her to review on a book-themed radio show .

“ Some neighbors have stopped by or left notes

the young and old .”

Many residents who have expressed interest in

to let me know how happy they are to have it

In nearby Costa Mesa , the Little Free Library

having their own library have received them as

in the neighborhood ,” Sary says . “… I think the

effort has an even larger impact , with two boxes

gifts from friends and family . For Frankel , her

variety of little libraries in the area have inspired

placed on the plaza at Segerstrom Center for the

brother crafted it to resemble an actual library

more reading and more generosity . It ’ s just so

Arts . With one aimed at adults and a smaller

accented with a mini lighthouse on top .

wonderful to see people going out of their way to

library for children , they ’ re located in an ideal

Other locals , like Corona del Mar residents

drop off books to share with their neighbors .”

reading environment as well : a shady grove of

Vivian Bennett and Karen Carlson , received

Carlson says her Corona del Mar neighbor-

trees with a sloping lawn and plenty of benches .

theirs as gifts as well , with Bennett ’ s pre-

hood has always been friendly , but she enjoys

“ It ’ s a very peaceful spot — perfect for quiet , reflec-

sented as a Mother ’ s Day present and Carlson ’ s

interacting with beachgoers visiting the shore-

tive times , coffee breaks and reading ,” says Tim

designed by her brother-in-law and painted with

line near her home . “ People walk by with little

Dunn , the center ’ s director of public relations .

flowers by her artistic sister . Both tend to stock

ones — particularly when they don ’ t want to leave

Jason Holland , Segerstrom ’ s vice president

the boxes with books from the Newport Beach

the beach and they ’ re crying — and I say , ‘ Here ,

of community engagement , agrees , adding , “ We

Public Library book sales . “ I try to curate the

read this book on your way up the stairs ’ and

want the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza to

selection so there is something for everybody —

they have a good time with it .”

be a public amenity and a town square of sorts

classics , beach reading , mystery , action , humor ,”

Over on Balboa Island , Thiel ’ s is the only

for our community — accessible to all and family-

Bennett says . As for Carlson , her focus is more

Little Free Library around . Because of this ,

friendly . We felt the presence of the Little Free

on the little ones . “ I try to have a good selection

she is able to interact with both locals and visi-

Libraries would be another of many great free

of children ’ s books ,” she explains . For Laura

tors . “ It is the tourists to the island that love

public amenities on the plaza that would contrib-

Thiel , who lives in London and shares upkeep responsibilities with her mother , it ’ s important to have genres for all types of readers , so she includes a mixture of older favorites and new best-sellers . “ There is always a treasure to be read hiding behind the little plastic doors ,” she

it the most , I think ,” she explains . “… In the summer , people come from all over to take from my Little Free Library . I sometimes hear people talking about it in the coffeehouse or doughnut shop on Main Street .” She adds that her neighbors are fans as well , visiting to see

ute to that spirit .”

So while a love of reading and access to books may be the main goal of the Little Free Library organization , it ’ s the community engagement that gives the project new life and will let it keep adding chapters to this movement . PC

TOP : LEFT : VIVIAN BENNETT