Summertime is a wonderful time to catch up on some reading with your children and family. But what happens when you have read everything in your house? Well, a fun and helpful way to get new books and upcycle your old ones is to build a shared library. You may have heard of Little Free Library, a non-profit organization that is focused on expanding book access to communities around the world. It has a global network of volunteer-led libraries, and once you finish building your own, you can register and add it to that same network! Visit their website for more information and other ways to help their cause.
Getting back to building a little library. When choosing a library location, check guidelines and what may be allowed in that area. This will be especially important if you live in a neighborhood with an HOA. Also, consider using materials found in and around your home. Below are some items you can upcycle to create your own little library.
Furniture
Do you have an old filing cabinet or grandfather clock collecting dust? How about an old bookcase or large plastic bin taking up some valuable space? Not a problem, you can turn any of these items into a little library. For filing cabinets and bookcases, you already have the shelving so that makes it easy. You can repaint the cabinet and make it more inviting. Each drawer could be a different genre of books and can be labeled or sorted by age groups. With a bookcase, you will need some extra wood, three hinges, and some nails. Make a door with the extra wood and using the hinges, add the new door to the bookcase. Again, repaint and make it inviting for others to check out. Grandfather clocks require a bit more effort, but the results are great! Remove the pendulum from the clock and any other hardware inside the clock. Using extra wood, wood glue, and nails create shelves that fit inside the clock and secure them. Most clocks could fit two or three shelves. If you want something easier and quick to make, use a plastic bin. If you want to keep it organized, you can cut, glue, and add some foam board to act as barriers. Label and repaint so others will know that there are free books available.
Appliances
Appliances are often one item that many do not know how to recycle or reuse, however, a little library might be the perfect solution. Take note--before you start working on your appliances, make sure that the refrigerant or Freon is removed by a certified technician. Once it is removed, you can then start getting the appliances ready for a makeover. With a mini fridge, you don’t need to add any shelving, just be aware there may not be space for many books. Decorate and label as you see fit and it is ready to go. If you are using an old fireplace or camping oven, make sure to clean it as well as possible to ensure any books stored in there won’t be ruined or get dirty. For more information on what to do with other appliances and electronics, visit What Do I Do With It Now?.
Other Items
As you can see from the items listed so far, almost anything can be recycled and used as a little library. That also includes things that you may not think about right away, such as a breadbox, organizer drawers, newspaper box, or even an old telephone booth. A visit to a local thrift store or garage sale can be great avenues for finding things you don’t have on hand. Like the other items, make sure to clean and decorate them so they are recognizable to those visiting your library.
Go Mobile
Your library doesn’t need to be in one place either! For example, using an old wagon or old cooler with wheels can allow you to take your library on the road. If you have a bike with a basket, you can turn that into a little library as well. Just make sure to set up a time and place to meet others with mobile libraries so that you have a safe place to exchange and discuss the books. Also, ensure that you do not carry too many books because the weight and size of the books may distract you or others while you are riding down the road or sidewalk.
Using recyclable materials when creating your own little library helps the environment while allowing children access to more books. Once you have finished building and decorating your library make sure to register it at the Little Free Library, so that it can be added to their global network. Happy building and reading!