The Little Free Library trend is just
one more example of simple ideas that are
flourishing. It emerged first in Wisconsin
in 2009 when Todd Bol put a box of books
on a post in his front yard along with a
sign saying “Free Books.” The idea was
noticed by another Wisconsin man, Rick
Brooks, and the two decided to work
together on this new social enterprise.
Since then, thousands of people around
the world have followed suit – as of
January 2014, there were more than
15,000 Little Free Libraries worldwide,
and the number continues to grow.
And now, the movement has come to
Windsor-Essex. Though it’s hard to
pinpoint just who was first – remember,
this is a simple, unregulated endeavour –
at least a dozen Little Free Libraries made
their debut here in 2014. Some, like the
one located at the Life After Fifty centre on
McEwan, were supported and inspired by
local service clubs. Others, like the Lincoln
Road Little Library, are completely
individual projects. The Little Free Library
official list includes 5 in Windsor – and
none of the ones above are on that list.
“I wanted to increase the availability
of books in our neighbourhood freely
available to take and give, to all ages,” says
Steve Green of his Lincoln Road Little
Library. “I wanted a system that was free
from any kind of organization or
registration.”
And that’s the basis of a Little Free
Library. The libraries – that often look like
little houses – hold a number of books.
Passer-by are free to take a book or leave a
book – or both – no questions asked, no
forms to fill out, no cards to swipe. And if
you don’t bring the book back? No sweat –
there’s no tracking system, no fines, and
no judgment. The “librarians” hope you’ll
at least pass along the book you borrowed
at some point, in some fashion.
“It gives a non-restrictive opportunity
to grab a book when the moment is right,”
says Terry Fink, Director of Culture and
recreation for the Town of LaSalle. In early
February, the Vollmer Complex became
home to a Little Free Library as part of a
local Rotary initiative. “It supports the
whole concept of people reading,” he says.
“ Vollmer’s Little Free Library is often
accessed by parents while their children
are using the rink or pool. “They’re role
modellng that reading is a good thing.”
While Vollmer’s library is only
accessible during hours the centre is open,
others are available 24/7, 12 months of the
year. At the Life After Fifty Centre on
McEwan near Adie