Take a book, return a book

By Penny Pitcher

“The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.” ― Albert Einstein

Six years ago, in memory of his mother, a former teacher who loved to read, Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin, built a model of a one room schoolhouse. He filled it with books and attached it to a post in his front yard. Friends and neighbours loved the idea, and so he built several more for them. Each one had a sign: FREE BOOKS.

Tod Bol was joined in his venture by Rick Brooks, an educator with a background in marketing. Together, the creative craftsman and the marketer saw a wonderful opportunity to promote literacy and the love of reading.

And now these Little Free Libraries (Book Exchanges, Book Boxes, Little Library Boxes) are appearing all over the world – including right here in Victoria and in James Bay itself. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes from a single shelf in a box to a converted phone booth!

Originally the book boxes were built using only recycled materials. Each one was unique but shared the concept of exchanging good books and bringing people together. Today it is possible to find a wealth of blueprints and construction plans on Pinterest.

The concept is actually not new. At the turn of the 19^th Century, Andrew Carnegie supported 2,509 free public libraries. There have been “Take a book, Leave a book” collections in coffee shops, public spaces, and apartment building foyers for many years, and there are grassroots movements worldwide.

By January 2015, the total number of registered Little Free Libraries in the world was estimated at nearly 25,000. These libraries can also be registered on line. 

Closer to home, there is a map showing the  Little Library Boxes here in Victoria, including one in James Bay.

People in the community can visit the Little Free Libraries at any time because there are no opening or closing hours. Patrons are invited to TAKE A BOOK, RETURN A BOOK. Book sharing operates on the honour system – or the shelves would be empty very quickly. This could be a new book that you have finished reading or some old favourites that you wish to share. 

So now, instead of gathering at the town square to fill the water buckets, residents can meet at the Little Free Libraries to share their latest book discovery.

“What in the world would we do without our libraries?” ― Katharine Hepburn