My grandchildren’s shelves are overflowing.
A few months ago the second grader came down the stairs well after bedtime to
confess to her parents that she had been reading by flashlight under the covers
after the lights were turned off. Her parents looked at one another. How could
they punish their kid for reading too much? She is now permitted to read for
ten minutes after the lights are out. She still likes it best under the covers
with a flashlight, but at least she doesn’t have to worry about getting caught.
On a recent trip to Korea to visit my other
daughter, we took a day’s holiday at Nami Island. It is a cultural centre that
celebrates books among other things. Besides the books in every room of our rented hut, his little shelter stood outside with a view of the river.
The playground included this collection of
children’s books.
There were even books in the public toilet
stall!
I’ve seen little libraries in other places.
A red English phone box filled with books stands next to a bakery in Hungary where we stopped for coffee.
On her walks a friend makes the rounds of several free
libraries (built by Lions Club) including this one in her own front yard. She scans her
shelves at home for things someone else might want to read. Take one/leave one
is the rule.
So where have you found books in surprising
places? Where would you like to see one of these little libraries set up?
(Google Little Free Libraries to see lots more examples.)
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LeAnne Hardy has lived in six countries on four continents. Her fiction reflects the places she has lived and her passion for sharing stories that reflect truth. Learn more at www.leannehardy.net .
(Google Little Free Libraries to see lots more examples.)
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I remember reading about a group of people that would choose to read a good book, and then leave it somewhere in public with a note saying, take me. I love the little libraries everywhere...
ReplyDeleteYes, Jenn! There is an on-line site for tracking those books, but I can't remember what it is called. Anyone know?
ReplyDeleteHere it is: Book Crossing http://www.bookcrossing.com. I had a friend in South Africa (a librarian in the Museum of English Children's Literature) who used to do that all the time. Maybe still does.
DeleteYou lost the enthusiasm in our response to our second grader confessing to reading after lights out. There was never any thought of punishment. Instead we looked at each other thinking 'about time!' and asked if she would like a flashlight! She is still encouraged to keep it short since we've all been sleep deprived after finishing just one more chapter. :-)
ReplyDeleteI should have called you to refresh my memory on the details. I love her enthusiasm for reading.
DeleteThat playground in Korea looks excellent, LeAnne--our grandchildren would absolutely love it! In a nearby shopping centre, there was a vacant shop that a school for deaf and blind children, which is also nearby, took over and stocked with donated books. The idea is to bring a book and donate it as you take one that is there. Or, alternately, you can make a cash donation and take a book.
ReplyDeleteIn a shopping center? Great idea! Shopping centers have replaced the old town square where people used to hang out and socialize. Wonderful place for books and neat that a school for the deaf and blind set it up.
DeleteLeAnne, lovely post :) Nami Island sounds like a fascinating place to visit, and the little libraries are a great idea - so cute!
ReplyDeleteNami Island was so much fun. It was the setting for a popular Korean romantic novella called Winter Sonata that everyone seems to know about. Google for more pics of the beauty.
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