Jock Mackenzie | Article and Photos

Not familiar with Little Free Libraries ? They are just as advertised : they ’ re little , they ’ re free , and they ’ re “ neighbourhood ” libraries . Based on the concept of “ bring one , take one ,” the Little Free Library is one of the world ’ s fastest growing phenomena .

Many LFLs are members of a worldwide organization whose mantra is “ Building Community

• Inspiring Readers • Expanding Book Access for All .” It ’ s a non-profit organization with more than 125,000 little libraries worldwide . A lifetime membership of $ 50 , according to the group ’ s website , gets you “ a charter sign engraved with a unique charter number . Your unique charter number gives you the option to add your library to the world map . You also get access to discounted books and a private Facebook support group .”

But quite a few LFLs are outliers , independent of the official organization , but no less important to a

neighbourhood ; you just have to bump into one or rely on word of mouth to discover their existence .

Cookie cutter in design ? Not a chance ! One of my favourite joys is discovering a new LFL so that I can appreciate its unique architecture . I like to think that the one my “ village of friends ” constructed is one such example . Ours resembles a prairie grain elevator , is situated in a country setting — adjacent to a rural café and gift shop called the Little Red Barn , and is adorned with a ceramic sign that proclaims “ Community Book Pool .”

Two additional attractions at our library are the occasionally changing sign and the personalized name plates that users are encouraged to leave after they ’ ve visited the library . For the former , I purchased a door name plate , cut it in thirds , screwed it to the shelf that divides the lower shelf for kid ’ s books and the upper shelf of adult books , and made cards of little jokes and sayings . For example , “ Children are made readers on the laps of their parents .”

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