Monday, July 28, 2014

I'm a Librarian!

We have our new Little Free Library up in our yard and I am SO happy to show it off in this week's Monday Made It linky!

I heard about Little Free Libraries last winter and knew immediately that I was gonna put one up... with Jonathan's help, of course! His design and carpentry skills were put to wonderful use to come up with our little library that matches our house. Isn't it beautiful! I am thrilled! It has a large bottom shelf to house books for kids and youth, and a shorter upper shelf to hold adult books. It is at a height that small kiddos can access. If you need to read a bit to decide if the book is for you, just have a seat on the big person or small person benches!

Special details of the library include small windows, which are not only fun but let in added light, and a door window which invites passersby to look in to see the selections. It has a very durable and sturdy design which I'm sure will be put to the test this winter, if it's anything like last winter.

THE most special Jonathan detail is the bracket that holds the library to the post... check out our wise old owl! And the book he's holding... yep, that is my yet unpublished story, The Fairies Come In... let's hope this doesn't end up being as close to published as it gets :)


An added bonus is that you meet lots of neighbors, old and new.



I decided to always keep a pen and post-it notes inside. Neighbors donating books can write a mini review and stick it to the cover of their book. Visitors can also leave us a note with ideas or comments. Some people have started to leave bookmarks, too. That has been the fun part in these first few days since we put up the library. See...



I also wrote up an info flyer so people know how our library works, as the small details of each Little Free Library are determined by the owners. For instance, we say it is fine to keep the book if you fall in love with it. In fact, we really hope that happens. And we spell out in a nice way that the books in our library need to be in pretty good shape. We're going to make a bookmark type flyer with some of the details, but for now we want everyone to get all the information. If you'd like to read ours, you can see/download it by clicking here.

The first Little Free Library appeared in 2009 and the project has grown to over 15,000 today! That's a lot of books and a lot of reading! It makes my teacher heart sing! The Little Free Library organization has a great website where you can find out about how they work, where they are, how to get one, and people's experiences. I encourage you to click on their icon below to read more.


You can also see a video report on LFL by clicking below.

Well, that's all for now. I'm bound to post on it again. If you have questions be sure to leave them in the comment sections.

Now click here on Tara's Fourth Grade Frolics button here to find more great stuff.




The post I'm a Librarian! first appeared on kidpeopleclassroom.com


14 comments:

  1. I love the whole Little Free Library idea! We have a few in our community. Your library is adorable!
    Kimberly
    Funky First Grade Fun

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    1. Thanks! I am so happy they are catching on so! I love them, too.
      Kathleen

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  2. We have quite a few Free Little Libraries around our hometown and I love them. Yours is absolutely amazing- your neighborhood is lucky to have such a treasure.
    Kelli
    Tales of a Teacher

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    1. The neighborhood IS loving it. I've had four different conversations with neighbors today already and it's not noon yet... I might not get anything else done all summer– HA! Nothing wrong with that :)

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  3. I LOVE this idea!! Thanks for sharing! We're going to be putting one of these in our new home once we get moved in! :)

    Kacie
    Selling the Sizzle

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    1. Oh, it has been a weekend of fun talking to enthusiastic supporters. Books are already coming and going. I highly recommend it, Kacie! Thanks for leaving word. Kathleen

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  4. Replies
    1. Thanks! I'll pass on the compliment to my husband builder :)

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  5. That is so cool! I have never seen one in person, but can only imagine how awesome it really is!!
    Miss King's Enchanted Kingdom

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    1. You can be the first in your neighborhood! I am meeting so many new people around the neighborhood and I've lived here a long time... the word is spreading. I think at the moment it is the most photographed spot in town :)

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  6. I saw a couple of these on Pinterest...and now yours! I will come by this week to "browse." Randy is not as skilled as Jonathan (shhhh...don't tell), so I will be on the prowl at my thift shops for something I can fortify. Hope to get one up by winter. Thanks for the inspiration! Now, another reason to walk The Old West Side other than Washtenaw Dairy. ;-)

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    1. Thanks! You'll find something fun, I have no doubt! It is a great project.

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