A year ago, Old Orchard resident Heather Meyer and her family traveled to Milwaukee, WI. During her trip, she came across a little box labeled “Free Library,” filled with books in the front yard of someone’s home.
Meyer did her research and discovered that this trend exists in a number of cities, and is known as “Little Library” or “Free Library.” Books are made available, free for the taking, and housed in a protected box for passersby to ‘borrow’ and read. Looking through Pinterest, she learned how to design and weather-proof the library boxes, learning details like the suggested size, number of shelves and height for hanging these miniature libraries.
Building with books
When Meyer talked with her friend and neighbor Brooke Padgett, she became more passionate about bringing the project to her area. Padgett had already heard about the little library concept and she wanted one for her neighborhood.
“Being an educator, any chance that you can give a child to read or a parent to sit down with a child is very important,” said Padgett.
So this summer, Meyer and Padgett, with the help of their handymen husbands, built their little libraries. The families upcycled an old jewelry box and a cooler, making the construction costs very minimal. The Meyers’ library is whimsical, with a lovely peace sign painted on one side. The Padgetts’ is just as intriguing, and is even accompanied by a bench, allowing bibliophiles to sit while reading their newfound books.
“It’s been this wonderful community addition,” said Meyer. “It would be great if more neighbors did it.”
Meyer, co-president of the Old Orchard Mom’s Group, also involves her daughter Ella with the little library. She takes inventory and donates some of her books to the cause. “I think it’s important that the kids are giving their books so that somebody else may enjoy them,” said Meyer.
Community residents, both young and old, are enjoying these little libraries. Meyer recalled seeing two older women discovering the library in front of her home, giggling at the idea, then happily taking a book. “We have a lot of retired neighbors stop and talk to us,” said Meyer. “It’s been great fun, meeting different people out here.”
Tiny success
The Meyer family checks on their little library every other day and restocks it frequently from their own collection of books. From music books to children’s stories, they are always surprised by the types of books that end up, through exchanges or donations, in their little library. Sometimes, their books even make their way to Padgett’s little library.
Sylvania resident Marilyn Machosky is also involved with the Little Library organization, and officially registered hers at 6108 Rockdale Lane in December 2012.
“It continues to do well, and it is visited quite often by adults and children, especially this summer,” said Machosky. “A fun glimpse of it this summer was seeing a little boy pull a book out and plop down on the grass and read the book right there.”
Despite their success, little libraries don’t compete with traditional, publicly funded libraries. More importantly, they bring immediate fellowship to Toledoans who share the love of knowledge.
“The sense of community is so important, and this is just one small way you can build it,” said Padgett. “I look forward to seeing what ideas other people have in order to bring everybody closer together.”
Know of other little libraries in the city?
Email [email protected], or shout out to @TCPaper. For more information on the Little Free Library organization, visit littlefreelibrary.org.
