A Little Free Library

Posted on January 8, 2019 by Jennie

A woman in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho had to have a diseased tree removed, so she had them leave enough of the stump to build a free library.

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About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over forty years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about. I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
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54 Responses to A Little Free Library

  1. Dan Antion's avatar Dan Antion says:
    January 8, 2019 at 6:22 pm

    What a great idea.

    Reply
  2. insearchofitall's avatar insearchofitall says:
    January 8, 2019 at 7:18 pm

    Oh my goodness!!! This one wins a prize. My friend, Alys over at Gardening Nirvana has on that she designed and had built in front of her yard several years ago. I send her books from time to time to keep it stocked. She is a wonderful human who taught me all about them. I even have a Pinterest board with them. I’m not allowed to have one here but it probably wouldn’t do much good anyway in my neighborhood. Few here appear to read.;(

    Reply
  3. Eric Alagan's avatar Eric Alagan says:
    January 8, 2019 at 7:24 pm

    That woman in Idaho is a role model for us 🙂

    Reply
  4. A Mindful Traveler's avatar a mindful traveler says:
    January 8, 2019 at 7:32 pm

    What an inspiring idea. Gorgeous. 🙂

    Reply
  6. Mischenko's avatar Mischenko says:
    January 8, 2019 at 8:06 pm

    That is so cool!!

    Reply
  7. Ellen's avatar Ellen says:
    January 8, 2019 at 9:25 pm

    This is the most amazing Little Free Library ever and I must find the opportunity to see it. When traveling, I make a point of finding at least one to visit, to leave a book and take a book. The death of Todd H. Bol, founder of the Little Free Library, on October 18, 2018 was a deeply felt loss for me. I first learned of his marvelous movement from a friend living in Wisconsin back in 2009, when his original library became their local sensation. She knew it was something that I would love and I did. That first library built in the shape of a one-room schoolhouse was a tribute to his mother after her death. She had been a teacher, an avid reader, and had tutored school children at the kitchen table in her home. Little Free Library became a nonprofit organization in 2012 and today little libraries are found in every state and 88 countries. It is a worthy organization that I am proud to say I support. Shortly before his death, Todd said : “I really believe in a Little Free Library on every block and a book in every hand.” Thank-you for sharing! P.S. Little Free Library has an e-newsletter that I receive and love.

    Reply
    • Jennie's avatar Jennie says:
      January 9, 2019 at 6:50 am

      Thank you so much for this! I didn’t know the history behind Little Free Libraries. Being in every stare is terrific. I have yet to see one, so I must google them and get the newsletter. Lucky you to have given and taken a book at many locations!

      Reply
  10. beetleypete's avatar beetleypete says:
    January 9, 2019 at 3:28 am

    They are increasingly common over here, Jennie. Here’s an article about the use of old phone boxes, (booths) to provide free libraries.

    British phone box libraries


    Best wishes, Pete.

    Reply
  11. Opher's avatar Opher says:
    January 9, 2019 at 4:19 am

    What a lovely thing to do.

    Reply
  12. delphini510's avatar delphini510 says:
    January 9, 2019 at 4:59 am

    Wonderful idea and how beautiful and welcoming it looks.

    miriam

    Reply
  14. Susan @ redcanoereader.com's avatar Susan @ redcanoereader.com says:
    January 9, 2019 at 10:53 am

    Oh, Jennie! This really put a smile on my face on this dreary, dark day. This is so creative and cozy. And what a great picture! I’m sure she has lots of visitors to her Little Free Library!

    Reply
  15. Ellen's avatar Ellen says:
    January 9, 2019 at 11:54 am

    Oh Jennie, I am so relieved that I was not offending you while I was offering an abundance of information about a passion of mine. After tapping the post button and seeing the length of my comment, I thought perhaps it was a bit much. I am always amazed at how many people have never heard of the Little Free Library, much less actually seen one in person. It is my great sorrow that I can not have one in my own yard, regulations against it which I fought and lost. I have noted on other blogs that I tend to have a propensity for loquacity and now you have been held hostage by it too! Thank-you!

    Reply
    • Jennie's avatar Jennie says:
      January 9, 2019 at 7:44 pm

      Not apologies needed, Ellen. I also am surprised that so many people don’t know of the Little Free Library. A fellow blogger sent me a great link to those in London. You’ll see it in the comments. So, it is worldwide.

      Reply
  17. Ren's avatar ren says:
    January 10, 2019 at 11:38 am

    Wonderful idea!!! Simply love it!!! Thank you Jennie!

    Over here in southern California, there are ‘kiosk’ type structures in and around towns with the free ‘Take a book, give a book’ concept.

    Reply
  18. robbiesinspiration's avatar robbiesinspiration says:
    January 10, 2019 at 12:01 pm

    This is such a fun idea, Jenny.

    Reply
    • Jennie's avatar Jennie says:
      January 10, 2019 at 2:10 pm

      Do they have these in South Africa? A fellow blogger sent me a link to red phone booths in London that have been turned into Little Free Libraries. Really good idea!

      Reply
  19. Sarah's avatar Sarah says:
    January 11, 2019 at 11:51 am

    What a wonderful idea! it looks amazing! 😄

    Reply
  20. Norah's avatar Norah says:
    January 13, 2019 at 4:44 am

    I saw this somewhere else in the last few days. I love it. How gorgeous!

    Reply
  21. D. Wallace Peach's avatar D. Wallace Peach says:
    January 13, 2019 at 12:33 pm

    Oh, My, Gosh! What a great idea and beautiful, magical library. I want one – Maybe not a stump, but a free library at the end of my driveway! How inviting. Thanks for sharing, Jennie. 😀

    Reply
  22. Ronel Janse van Vuuren's avatar Ronel Janse van Vuuren says:
    January 16, 2019 at 7:17 am

    So magical! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply

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