Little Free Libraries sprouting up like spring flowers in Pacific Beach

Little Free Library book-sharing boxes are open seven days a week hours a day and are freely accessible to all removing barricades to book access Photo by Dave Schwab Beach Bay Press PACIFIC BEACH In situation you hadn t noticed Little Free Libraries are popping up all over coastal neighborhoods like mushrooms after rain Take a Book Share a Book is the rule for Little Free Libraries a St Paul Minnesota-based nonprofit whose mission is to be a catalyst for building population inspiring readers and expanding book access for all through a global setup of volunteer-led Little Free Library book-exchange boxes The nonprofit notes its vision is to have a Little Free Library in every locality and a book for every reader believing all people are empowered when the opportunity to discover a personally relevant book to read is not limited by time space or privilege Christina Wainwright manager of Pacific Beach Taylor Branch Library noted the library doesn t officially participate in the Little Free Library campaign But we are thrilled whenever we see community-led efforts to encourage literacy she reported The Friends of the Pacific Beach Library have done particular promotions in the past where they give free or discounted books from their sales to neighbors who operate Little Free Libraries I ve spoken with particular neighbors who operate them who have explained me that they make a point to pick up books from the Friends book sales especially since they sell them for off on the first Wednesday of each month Little Free Libraries They provide book access LFL book-sharing boxes are open seven days a week hours a day and are freely accessible to all removing obstructions to book access They foster new Little Free Libraries LFL equips educates and guides volunteer stewards to establish Little Free Libraries in their communities They are granted in high-need areas Through LFL programs grants at no cost provide LFL books to underserved urban suburban rural and Indigenous communities Diverse books are championed Through a Read in Color operation LFL makes books available representing BIPOC LGBTQ and other diverse voices to promote understanding empathy and inclusion They work with key neighborhood partners LFL collaborates with schools masses libraries civic organizations businesses and other groups to bring LFLs to their communities Kathy Hargrove a Crown Point resident who previously worked for Head Start a federally funded effort promoting school readiness gives presentations on the Little Free Library at constituents libraries like Pacific Beach s Taylor Branch She discussed her experience as a four-year owner of a Little Free Library noting hers specializes in free books for kids Of the origin of her Little Free Library Hargrove announced I saw these libraries all over and my neighborhood was missing one So I started researching them and that s how it all started Hargrove went to the Little Free Library website and purchased a library kit online After that she registered her new library which was added to an online map where people can find the locations of all Little Free Libraries in their neighborhoods She hasn t regretted making that move The books are free and popular with kids and help to improve their reading skills Hargrove reported adding after she got one that another Little Free Library popped up on a neighbor s property down the street She cautioned those considering following suit however that you have to put your library on your property not commercial property where you have to get permission You can t just stick these things anywhere Of her experience with a Little Free Library Hargove related They are excellent People find out where they re at She however warned that Every now and then someone comes by and grabs everything and I have to fill it up again Hargrove also cautioned any Little Free Library owner that you have to monitor your books or they get stale adding You need to take responsibility to keep it going Hargrove characterizes the libraries as a group thing She pointed out she likes to fill her library with youth-oriented books featuring lots of mysteries documentaries and self-help books People are looking right now for answers she noted LFL s goals and strategies are shaped by a dedicated staff and an engaged board of directors Together LFL s work is guided by Access By providing greater more equitable book access in neighborhoods worldwide LFL works to strengthen communities and influence literacy outcomes Collaboration LFL volunteer stewards as well as local and national partners work to build district and improve book access Equity LFL is dedicated to furthering diversity equity and inclusion through the programs it runs the books it shares and the communities served as well as in the internal operations of the nonprofit Respect LFL values all people and communities and respects their wisdom in using LFLs in a meaningful individualistic way suited to their practices and locality Transparency LFL is committed to integrity and accountability in how it manages its assets For more information visit littlefreelibrary org