Little Free Library Etiquette

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm in the camp with others recommending to check a local school, or better yet, a Title 1 school, regarding donations.

THIS!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I totally do not get the LFL concept in a MC/UMC neighborhood. There is the library. It has tons of books. Most people have cars.

I guess in the city or a poorer/mixed neighborhood where people would have more trouble getting to the library this would be good but I mostly seem to see them in spots where people are highly likely to already be able to get to the library.

I walk past our LFL everyday. If I am finished with a book or could use a new one, I peak in. Sure I eventually get to the library and sometimes there is nothing of interest but it is still a nice thing to have. When I see one of my books disappears, I am happy that I was able to share. Kids LOVE checking it out too when they are walking from the bus or to the park.

SAME. I have gotten some great books at our local LFLs, and we've dropped off many of our favorites. We also buy tons of books and go to the public library. The LFL is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're going to get!

I wouldn't do one if there was one literally three houses down, though. I would probably ask that neighbor if there was anything I can do to help with their LFL. Repaint/fix/"curate" when it overflows, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I totally do not get the LFL concept in a MC/UMC neighborhood. There is the library. It has tons of books. Most people have cars.

I guess in the city or a poorer/mixed neighborhood where people would have more trouble getting to the library this would be good but I mostly seem to see them in spots where people are highly likely to already be able to get to the library.

Same. I assume is is a 20 something new homeowner who wants to post about it on social media for likes

Uh, no. Some of us are middle-aged people who love to read.

Then…don’t you just go to real library?

I love to read too and we go at least weekly. Why would I be interested in LFL castoffs?

You're so freaking ornery and over books! Good grief.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm in the camp with others recommending to check a local school, or better yet, a Title 1 school, regarding donations.

THIS!!!

Donatung books to a school is lovely but an entirely different concept.

[Anonymous]

Make sure to indicate the kinds of books you want. I hate when people fill the boxes with books no one wants to read
( old manuals for antiquated technology)

[Anonymous]

Our neighbors made theirs a Little Free Pantry. It’s awesome.

[Anonymous]

It’s fine. Curate it well. NBD no need to overthink the proximity. We hit all the LFLs, there are so many in our neighborhood and love the variety

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I totally do not get the LFL concept in a MC/UMC neighborhood. There is the library. It has tons of books. Most people have cars.

I guess in the city or a poorer/mixed neighborhood where people would have more trouble getting to the library this would be good but I mostly seem to see them in spots where people are highly likely to already be able to get to the library.

I do live in a more LMC neighborhood in the city, and we're one mile from a nice, big public library with access via sidewalks and a trail. There are also 3 LFLs on one walking route (one by the elementary school).

The difference is that...the library's selection is great. The LFLs are all full of very old castoffs and light on children's books. I don't assume it's because people in our neighborhood don't like to read - I assume it's because we can't buy new books constantly and instead use the library!

Anyway, LFLs can be nice but they aren't anything like the public good that libraries offer and should never ever be considered an alternative. We would lose so much taxpayer-supported access, variety, and resources if we looked at LFLs as an acceptable substitute. And that's my spiel.

[Anonymous]

The gardener sharing flowers/herbs example by pp is perfect.

Some people want to share the things they love. That’s it. NBD.

[Anonymous]

haven't read all the responses but maybe you can do a little free art library? a neighbor did one and it's amazing. crayons, coloring books, watercolors, paintbrushes, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our neighborhood has a puzzle one and it's great! How many times do you do puzzles more than once? I feel like it gets used more than the book libraries in our neighborhood - there is often a completely new selection of puzzles of every size when I go past. Some of that may be from the owners pulling things that aren't circulating and keeping a good variety in it - either way I highly recommend it!

Can you share more specifically where this one is? I love puzzles and have some to swap that I've already completed. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm in the camp with others recommending to check a local school, or better yet, a Title 1 school, regarding donations.

THIS!!!

Donatung books to a school is lovely but an entirely different concept.

This is a nice idea but it can be very hard to donate used in-kind items. I find that public libraries often have book sales every year and they are willing to collect used books to sell for their programs. I’ve not heard of any schools collecting them for student use.

[Anonymous]

Don’t do a diverse book themed one. That will sound like you are judging the nearby LFL for being insufficient LW diverse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don’t. They are cool in theory. But in my experience, are lame. In wealthy neighborhoods, the families are already going to the regular library weekly at least or are buying plenty of books. In the neighborhoods where kids might not have access to books frequently- they either aren’t used or nothing gets replaced. Even in the neighborhoods were they are used, the replacements are not good books. They are the cast offs grandma got the kids from Goodwill, free at Dr office, random religious book and so on.

In my neighborhood a ton of the kid books are sentimental/controversial books (likely grandparent gifts) that the current generation of parents hate -- I Love You Forever, Velveteen Rabbit, etc. Lol

Not everyone in the current generation hates those type of books, some people still find great value in learning from previous generations and passing that information on to their children. Just because you don’t like a book doesn’t mean the entire generation hates it, that’s absurd. People are raised differently and have different interests regardless of the time in which they were raised. I say ignore all these haters, OP, and put up the best little library your heart desires.

Dude, I love those books and I'm the PP - calm down. It is generally amusing to me that the Gen X/older millennial least-faves make it into LFLs repeatedly, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t. They are cool in theory. But in my experience, are lame. In wealthy neighborhoods, the families are already going to the regular library weekly at least or are buying plenty of books. In the neighborhoods where kids might not have access to books frequently- they either aren’t used or nothing gets replaced. Even in the neighborhoods were they are used, the replacements are not good books. They are the cast offs grandma got the kids from Goodwill, free at Dr office, random religious book and so on.

I love in Old Town and our LFL are awesome. We all use them and donate generously.