The idea behind Little Free Libraries is simple and ancient: sharing. LFLs are designed to be places where people can share books. The organization’s motto is “Take a book. Return a book.” The number of LFLs has increased in the past couple of years. The Chronicle asked LFL stewards and readers to share their stories.
steward Nan Wexler with
several of her library’s
regular customers, Madelynn
McClements, 7, left, and
Daniela Cordero, 6, with
Landon McClements, 2, in
front.
MIDDLE: Sarah Austin’s
Painted Ox Cart LFL.
BOTTOM: Steve and Anne
Morrill-Ploum’s La Salon,
Un Parc de Poche.
(Photo collages by Eric
Crump/H-F Chronicle,
photos provided by
LFL stewards)
Editor’s note: This story first was published in the October 2016 print edition of the Chronicle.
Sometime in 2013, the late artist Michael Wexler built a small structure in his mother’s yard — two legs, a roof, some decorative touches and two bins for books.
Nan Wexler’s Little Free Library (LFL) was born, and local LFL stewards believe it was probably the first standalone LFL in Homewood, although Steve and Anne Morrill’s pocket park was also created in 2013 and includes a book shelf, too.
The idea behind Little Free Libraries is simple and ancient: sharing. LFLs are designed to be places where people can share books. The organization’s motto is “Take a book. Return a book.”
The first LFL was created in May 2010 by Todd Bol, a Hudson, Wisc., entrepreneur who built a little model schoolhouse to honor his mother, a retired school teacher. He put it on a post during a garage sale and filled it with books.
He apparently did not know he was about to launch an international movement. There were more than 40,000 registered Little Free Libraries in all 50 states and more than 70 countries as of June 2016, according to the organization’s website.
acronym for the names of
the Matthys family children.
MIDDLE: The Little Free
Library at the Sign Post,
started by Heather Godbout.
BOTTOM: The Flossmoor Hills
Little Free Library, tended
by Haley Marti.
The number keeps growing, and book lovers in the H-F community have helped.
At least one library has been created in Flossmoor this summer, and the Ploum’s pocket park in Homewood recently registered its book shelf as an LFL.
Libraries have been popping up here and there since Nan Wexler’s LFL on 184th Place was created. Sarah Austin’s library was embedded in the remains of a beloved ash tree that fell victim to the emerald ash borer. It was officially launched in July 2014.
LFLs can be found in neighborhoods and at schools. Both village governments host LFLs.
Creating one is fairly easy. The structure itself can be simple or complex, plain or wildly creative. Plenty of resources and examples exist to help those who want to start an LFL of their own, whether from the LFL organization or from local stewards.
The Chronicle asked LFL stewards to tell us the stories behind their libraries, and we asked patrons to tell us what they like about the LFLs they frequent.
Of course, even simple projects have their complications and challenges. Managing the flow of books takes some work. Vandalism, though rare, can and does occur.
James Hart Little Free Library.
MIDDLE: A 2014 photo
of Eagle Scout Henry
Heligas, who led the
effort to create four LFLs
in H-F parks.
BOTTOM: The Kallend
LFL resides at the
corner of Perth Avenue
and Clyde Street in
Homewood.
But the task seems to bring more rewards than trouble, judging by the descriptions below, where words like “joy,” “delight,” “love” and “smiles” are common.
The real value of LFLs might not be the books, really, but what the books do: They bring people together.
In “The Little Free Library Book” by Margret Aldrich, a common theme in the stories from stewards is how the little book collections provide a place for people to stop and browse, to meet and chat with neighbors and to make new friends.
Aldrich said one visitor to her LFL left a note, “It makes me feel like I’m a part of something good.”
H-F stewards and patrons seem to share that sentiment. Anyone who has watched Sarah Austin at the Homewood Farmers Market or other community events with her Painted Ox Cart mobile LFL can see it in action as she calls out “Free books!” to passersby and people young and old gather around to browse and chat.
We hope you’ll enjoy their stories and will find and use the Little Free Libraries in our community.
More information:
facebook.com/LittleFreeLibraryOnOlive/
www.littlefreelibrary.org
Little Free Library on 184th Place
Location: 1600 block of 184th Place
Steward: Nan Wexler
Started: 2013
Registerd: Charter No. 19550
We found one in Alsip and that gave me the idea. I’m right by Willow School. I love seeing the children stop by. Children and books: The two most important things. If this isn’t right up my alley.
We have the best neighborhood. When Michael died people put flowers in the little vase that’s part of the decorations.
La Salon, Un Parc de Poche
(The Salon, a Pocket Park)
Location: 1418 Willow Road
Started: July 2013
Stewards: Steve and Anne Morrill-Ploum
Registered: Charter No. 45329
We learned of LFL’s after we built ours. La Salon was first just a 20 square foot park, featuring artwork, a park bench, a drawing pad with materials to draw/write, and books to read/share.
When we learned of LFL’s, we decided La Salon was that too. Here’s our Facebook page: facebook.com/LaSalonPocketPark/.
Many work to make their front yards nice, and then people enjoy them at a distance. We sought to have our front yard enjoyed from within by inviting people to sit, take a load off and relax while appreciating the beauty around them, be it art, literature, the flowers or each other.
Shear delight — especially when we see people using the space and leaving evidence of their positive experience (in the sketch book).
The only challenge has been finding a shelf design that effectively keeps the rain out.
Little Free Library on Olive
Location: Olive and Loomis in Homewood
Steward: Sarah Austin
Started: July 11, 2014
Registered: Charter No. 14784
I wanted to contribute to my community.
When I come home from work, one of the first things that I do is check the LFL. It feels like I have re-homed a homeless book, and that always makes me smile. I love meeting the people who use my LFL. I have made several new friends and acquaintances.
I like to imagine the LFL has also built other relationships in our community as parents share info about LFLs, and as folks share their LFL books with other readers.
Challenges: Having an LFL is a great excuse for book hoarding. I can now justify buying lots of books with the plan to donate them when I am done with them. I also wish that folks took more books. Don’t take one, take three. Our community is generous and we have great donations. If you take three books, the selection will change more often.
Little Free Library at the Signpost
Location: Argyle and Alexander in Homewood.
Started: 2014
Steward: Heather Godbout
Registered: Charter No. 18228
Like many an idea — good, bad, or cutesy — I first saw it on Pinterest. Then suddenly I began noticing them in lots of places.
I didn’t realize that there was an actual organization that encouraged them until I saw an article online about a boy that had been ticketed by his city for building a “structure” on his property without a permit. Then I knew I needed to be a part of it.
I’m a lifelong lover of books, so the idea of sharing books I love with other readers was pretty attractive.
What reader doesn’t like the idea of new books just appearing in a box on their lawn? I’m also a literacy coach at a high school in the area, and encouraging reading and the love of books in young people is just part of my life’s mission.
My very favorite thing is when I see someone walking their dog, slowing down to look at the library and then being sucked into picking a book.
Stories have that kind of power.
It’s especially nice to see the kids in the neighborhood come running up to trade books. It can be hard to keep up with the demand. Sadly, one of my challenges is that the adult books tend to sit for a while, which I’m afraid keeps adults from stopping by more frequently.
Sometimes I will drive around to the other LFLs in town and do a swap to try and get new titles in everyone’s library.
There are also some people who dump books in the library that clearly came from a damp, musty basement, falling apart, spines torn or broken. A good rule is if you wouldn’t be tempted to pick up a book, even when it’s free, chances are no one else will be either.
Little Free Libraries in the Parks
Locations: Goldberg Park, Flossmoor, and Millennium Park, Homewood
Started: September 2014
Creator: Henry Heligas
Stewards: Sarah Austin and Homewood Public Library
Millennium Park registered: Charter No. 30362
My mother is a librarian and told me about them. I wanted my Boy Scout Eagle Project to make a lasting impact on my community. By fostering literacy and partnering with the community libraries and park district, I feel I made a difference in the villages of Homewood and Flossmoor.
The biggest disappointment for me was when two of my four original libraries were destroyed by vandalism.
I’m grateful that the two that remain are thriving and that the Flossmoor and Homewood Libraries are willing to maintain them.
The Painted Ox Cart
(an Olive Branch Little Free Library)
Location: It’s often at Homewood events, including the summer and winter farmers market, Hobo Night, National Night Out, etc.
Steward: Sarah Austin
Started: Circa spring 2015
Registered: Charter No. 23640
Our community was very generous, and I have a bad habit of buying books at garage sales and thrift stores, so a mobile LFL seemed like a good way to share these books.
Back when I started the Painted Ox Cart LFL there were a lot of folks in the area that did not know about LFLs. Having a mobile LFL allowed me an opportunity to talk to people about the concept of LFLs and to share info about the other LFLs in town.
As this part of my plan grew, I printed bookmarks with info about all of the LFLs in town. It is a wonderful thing that these bookmarks are out of date now because new LFLs are popping up all the time.
I hope to make a new bookmark this winter and I hope that it will be outdated again by spring.
Joys: With the mobile LFL I get to meet more people and I get to watch folks when their eyes light up when they find a great book. Usually this is a kid who has found a Goosebumps or American Girl book. But I remember once when I was telling one gentleman at the farmers market that all of the books were free.
He started to turn away and I happened to mention that I had a coffee table book about Wrigley Field. He turned around and grabbed the book. He was so happy to have it. It made my day!
These moments are only possible because of the wonderful folks who donate books!
The Newsstand
Location: Harwood Avenue across from Starbucks
Stewards: The village of Homewood, Homewood Public Library and the Friends of Homewood Public Library
Started: May 2015
Registered: Charter No. 24120
In 2014, we started to promote the Little Free Libraries that were popping up throughout Homewood. We noticed the the newspaper stand on Harwood was underutilized and decided to change the newspaper stand to a Little Free Library. Homewood Public Works created a new sign, “Little Free Library, Take a Book, Return a Book,” which helps explain the concept. We are very grateful to the Homewood Library for taking the lead on replenishing the books. In May 2015, we officially had a new Little Free Library in downtown Homewood.
— Allisa Opyd, Homewood events manager
James Hart School Little Free Library
Steward: Maureen Daley
Location: James Hart School, 18205 Aberdeen St., Homewood
Started: November 2015
Registered: Charter No. 32854
I first learned of the concept while living in Strasbourg, France, several years ago. In the middle of a gorgeous public park was an tiny pavilion full of books in many languages. The library steward would save her favorite English language books for me.
It wasn’t an official Little Free Library, but I loved the idea. When I came back home I did some research and learned about the Little Free Library movement.
My family knows how important reading and literacy are to me, so they made a Little Free Library for our front yard. It’s designed as a little red schoolhouse.
My husband and I then made one for our son and his new wife for a housewarming gift. Since she is a second grade teacher and he is a pilot, we combined their two passions to make an airplane shaped library for their front yard in Fairbury, Ill.
The requests started coming in from friends and family, so the next one we made was for my niece and her family in Lee’s Summit, Mo. We modeled that one after their beloved beagle, Napoleon.
Dr. Scott McAlister, our principal, mentioned to me that the school might be interested in placing a Little Free Library at James Hart in honor of our former longtime superintendent Dr. James Mahan. My husband and I volunteered to make it. and designed it like the James Hart panther mascot.
We are currently in the planning stages of our fifth Little Free Library.
It’s great to see all of the different kinds of books come and go. I have a guest book at my home library. The comments from the visitors always leave me with a smile. The neighborhood kids especially enjoy the library.
Probably the biggest challenge at James Hart is maintaining a stock of relevant and current books that our students want to read. We are always looking for donations! Donations can be placed right in the library or brought to the school’s front office.
Flossmoor Hills Little Free Library
Location: Flossmoor Hills Elementary School, 3721 Beech St., Flossmoor
Started: June 2016
Steward: Haley Marti
Registered: Charter No. 38280
The Flossmoor Hills Literacy Team researched the idea of a Little Free Library. Once it was built, our students decorated the box through the use of student thumbprints. Then we had a ceremony at our school field day in June.
Our Little Free Library is in honor of Ms. Olivia Parker. Ms. Parker worked at Flossmoor Hills as a paraprofessional. She had a passion for reading and loved teaching our students. We wanted to share our love for reading with the community.
We love our Little Free Library. Anyone is welcome to take, leave, borrow or share a book with our library. It is full of books for a range of ages and interests and we regularly switch out the selection of books.
We hope you have a chance to visit our Little Free Library soon!
Little BEES Library
Location: 814 Sterling Avenue, Flossmoor
Started: July 2016.
Stewards: The Matthys Family (Michael, Aimee, Ella, Sullivan, Bennett and Eme Mae)
Registered: Charter No. 40666
We first learned about LFLs after a trip to visit family in St. Paul, Minn., about seven years ago. My sister showed us the LFL in her neighbor’s yard and talked about how her kids went to the library often to pick out books and share some from home.
She told us how they were all over in St. Paul and Minneapolis. On our visits we would look for them when we were out driving.
In the summer of 2015 we moved to the house we live in now in Flossmoor.
We thought that building a LFL would be a great way to start making memories in our new home and build community in our neighborhood.
Our new street was set up great for a library – lots of foot and car traffic right on the path to downtown Flossmoor.
We transformed an old cabinet and bathroom wallpaper into a LFL.
It is named for the kids: Bennett, Ella, Eme and Sullivan.
Our family loves the library. The kids enjoy checking to see what books have come back and the new ones that have been placed in the library.
One of our visitors left a little glass jar labeled dog treats in the library for friends walking by with dogs. We still don’t know who left this little gift for us. The kids think this is great (especially since we don’t have a dog yet!) and filling up the dog treat jar is part of the routine library check.
We are surprised by the support the LFL has received. So many people use the library dropping off books or grabbing an H-F Chronicle on their way to the train.
We have cars that stop on Sterling, hop out, place new books in our library and then drive off.
We smile every time we see someone at the library.
It’s true that the best things in life are free and our little free library has brought our new home a lot of sunshine in the few short months that it’s been open.
Bob?
Location: Corner of Perth Avenue and Clyde Street, Homewood.
Started: Aug. 6
Steward: Alex Kallend
Registered
There’s another couple in our neighborhood, that my wife and I would see when walking our dog. I got interested and looked them up online.
I originally intended to build a doghouse for my dog, and had a little wood left over, so decided to make a matching library.
I’m always surprised to see what books people take, and leave. I haven’t really had any great challenges yet.