The park closest to my house is one of my favorite places to walk, run, and meet up with friends. Every week, I trudge the winding paths for miles while pondering everything from plot twists to recipe variations. This park also has three Little Free Libraries.
These unique little book havens can be found peppered across bustling parks and activity centers. Some LFLs are basic wooden boxes resembling birdhouses. Others are constructed of used lockers or decorated with gems and cartoon characters. No matter the shape, LFLs have one common goal: to provide grab-n-go literature for curious readers of all interests.
As you can see, you never know what you will find in an LFL. Anyone is free to take from and deposit their own reading material. There is no obligation to return the books, so you can keep a book you adored and deposit another one later if you wish.
Little Free Libraries tap into that intrigue of discovery and wonder I get from variables outside my control. When I've been out of town for a while, I can't wait to get to my home park and see what new material it has. Not only is this good for my health since I usually walk the mile to get there, I also enjoy the excitement of experiencing something new.
At times, the LFLs near me have been hit so hard, only a few books remain. This is my cue to pick up a random handful of literature from the charity thrift store where I volunteer and make a deposit. Other times, I have seen the LFLs so full, the books are stacked to the top. When this happens, I usually grab a few and redistribute to the other locations for people who may not walk the entire park like I do.
In Spring, I took a bike route to hit every LFL in a ten-mile stretch. It took all morning, but I visited 5 LFLs and ended up with a lackluster paranormal romance I sped through by the pool.
The journey was still worth it.
Keeping an eye on these fluctuating treasure troves gives me similar joy as wondering what's inside a wrapped gift. Not only that, I've read books I never would have, especially during 2020 when access to stores was limited. I still love the feel of paper in my hands over reading on a screen.
Some of my favorite LFL finds are The Lost World, Past Imperfect: An Autobiography (Joan Collins), 700 Sundays by Billy Crystal, and Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal (though I may never eat another fast-food hamburger again). Not all the books I take home are winners, but it's still fun to know I snagged them on a whim with no strings attached.
While traveling, I look for LFL locations near my lodgings. This also provides an option for me to deposit books I finish on trips so I don't have to lug them back home. It's a thrill to think someone will come along and pick up my book from so far away. I also enjoy wondering where the books I'm reading came from.
If this concept excites you as much as it does me, keep a closer eye out during your next park visit. You may just spot a Little Free Library standing unobtrusively beside a sun-warmed bench. Grab a book, give it a peek. If it's not your thing, leave it for someone else.
Keep on smilin'!
Comments