Little Free Libraries
One chilly winter evening, I decided to take a walk around Westport. Wandering with no location in mind, I peered into closed storefronts and stared out onto the Saugatuck River. I turned a corner here and there, roaming the alleyways, all vacant. Upon one turn, I came across a cluster of individuals, all crowded around a hidden gem.
Photo credit: AmandaBow
The Remarkable Bookcycle was its name. Attracting locals and visitors alike, I was dazzled by this quirky free library on wheels. At that moment, watching young students determinedly search for a new novel to read, I smiled to myself. What an incredible idea: having a shared community space for anyone to take or share a book.
You see, what may seem like a box to some is magic to me. These small wooden receptacles are the perfect vessels for sharing and expressing character. Anyone, a neighbor or wanderer, is afforded the opportunity to look inside and find their next great read. Later, perhaps a week or years after, that same person might drop by when they can, giving a book or two from their personal library. And so, the cycle continues with new books and experiences, instilling a sense of community inside and out.
With a deep admiration, I kept thinking back to the bookcycle. I wanted to investigate and see if our town had any Little Free Libraries. To my delight, through a couple of conversations and helpful research, I was ecstatic to find out about all of the miniature bookshelves sprawled around town.
Very enthusiastically, perhaps a little too much so, I jumped into my car and drove around town. I hunted down each and every Little Free Library, and was amazed to find the majority of these wooden boxes on sticks in the middle of streets, in front of resident homes.
Some a simple shelf or two, others an eccentric creation, all served the same purpose. These little libraries were small, yet substantial, representations of the neighborhood identity. From showcasing the artistic aptitude of the ‘steward’, or the primary caretaker, to bearing the unexpected gift of dog treats inside, each library took its own unique take on the shared idea.
Venturing from my old elementary school to my favorite place to catch a breath and walk, the Audubon, I was able to explore treasured parts of town as well as neighborhoods I’d never even heard of before. Each time, I was glad to experience the library’s distinctive flair, but shared commitment to community and character.
To find a Little Free Library near you: https://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/