Little Free Libraries

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Very recently, I read a story about Spencer Collins. Nine-year-old Spencer had set up a 'Little Free Library' in his front yard as a Mother's Day present for his mother because,"Reading is one of my favorite things to do. We built it on Mother’s Day as a present for my mom because she really wanted one.” He wanted his friends and neighbours to be able to 'take a book, return a book.' It was a fantastic gift, not just for his mother, but for the whole community.
But, it wasn't to long before his local town council caught wind of this and made Spencer take it down, due to its' alleged violation of city ordinances. Spencer and his family fought this decision and, after a personal appeal to the town council by Spencer, his Little Free Library was reinstated! Fantastic result! Spencer is an inspiration.
I had heard of Little Free Libraries before (and think it's a brilliant idea which the entire whole should support.) But I hadn't really done any research on the. So, it was on to their website and I was blown away! While Little Free Libraries exist in abundance in the U.S. (always room for more though...don't you think?), I had no idea how world-wide this initiative really is. A glance at their World Map Appendix reveals Little Free Libraries in Canada, Australia, the U.K., Belgium, Vietnam, the Netherlands, India... I could go on. THIS is amazing!
Now, I could take up a lot of space here explaining the whys and wherefores of the Little Free Library movement...or I could just give you the link to their website, where they tell you the story of the Little Free Library and everything you need to know about starting your own. Or maybe, you already have a Little Free Library? Why not make it official and get yourself on the map by joining them?
I can't think of a better way to encourage reading and build a stronger community, for everyone.
http://littlefreelibrary.org/
Here's a photo of Spencer and his Little Free Library (top) and a few others...inspirational!
(Oh, if you do start one of your own, please contact me here and let me see it...because I'm nosy, especially when it comes to books, bookshops and libraries.)

Oh, yeah...and they don't have to be outside, either. There are Little Free Libraries in schools, shopping centres (get permission!), police stations, medical practices, churches, community centres...even mobile Little Free Libraries. And they don't have to cost a lot. If you are on a strict budget, you can still join in. I found this page to be utterly useful:
http://littlefreelibrary.org/little-free-libraries-shoestring-budget/

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