Have you ever walked around your neighborhood and seen a little wooden box in someone’s yard? For a while I had no idea what they were and a couple years ago we finally stopped at one. What a surprise to find the cutest little library I’ve ever seen!
Little Free Libraries have been popping up all over the country and even the world! There are more than 100,000 registered libraries! The premise of a Little Free Library is a “take a book, return a book” free book exchange. The non-profit behind Little Free Libraries has a mission “to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-leg Little Free Libraries.”
I really love the idea behind this – reading is so important and can be so enjoyable! And I love that these books can be accessible right in your neighborhood. My daughter likes to stop by the little library near us when we are out on a walk and see if there are any new books. If so, she’ll grab one to look at during our walk and then we’ll return it on our way back home.
Each library has a steward, or someone who runs and maintains the library. Some of them are designed and decorated so creative! Love the personality each one takes on. Some simple and cute, others very intricate in design.
Betsy Murray has been the steward of a Little Free Library in Circle C for five years. She actually started working with the neighborhood HOA to create a plan to allow the libraries and where they could be. To keep her library freshly stocked with kids books and adult books, she receives a lot to donations from neighbors and friends. “I love sharing books with neighbors, especially kids. I love seeing kids and family looking though the library, picking a book, and sitting on the bench in the shade to share a book,” Betsy shared. “I was a second grade teacher for two years and then a reading specialist for 16 years and reading is just so important to me, I love to share that with others,” she added.
If you go through the books in your house soon, consider dropping them by a Little Free Library – you’ll make someone so happy next time they stop by! I have always just stumbled upon libraries, but just recently learned they have an app so you can easily find one near you.
Interested in started your own Little Free Library? Visit littelfreelibrary.org to find out more! If you stop by one, snap a photo and tag us! @southaustinmoms on Instagram.
