New to The Point
You might have noticed that there are a growing number of tiny lofts on the lawns and in the gardens of homes across our Crown Point community. Standing by a sidewalk in front of a regular house, those mini houses are too big for just receiving letters. What are they for?
Some of our kids can answer you right away that they are actually a library, because they have taken books from the Little Free Library themselves.
There are at least nine Little Free Libraries within our neighbourhoods. One of the owners, Miranda, said her family loves books and their library was initially set up for kids in 2015. However, these small libraries are not limited to children’s access. Teenagers and adults might find books they like too. ‘It is a great way to connect the neighbours’, Miranda smiled through her mask.
True to Little Free Library’s slogan ‘Take a book. Share a book’, one doesn’t need to pay when self-checking out books, although it is suggested to return them. A healthy flow of books is the key to ensuring there is always something inside for other readers.
In today’s busy world, all the Free Little Libraries in our community are convenient. They are open 24-7, 365 days a year. You can view the map embedded below to see the nine locations we have captured while researching this article.
Many people wonder how to safely borrow library books during the pandemic. Dr. Colin Furness, an infection control epidemiologist and assistant professor at the University of Toronto, advised through CBC News that the best thing to do is to wash your hands when you bring books home, and let them sit for 24 hours.
The first Little Free Library book-sharing box was built in 2009 in Wisconsin, USA. After a decade, this award-winning program has become a world-wide movement. Participants who have joined the charity believe that reading has a positive impact on people’s life.
All Little Free Libraries are solely for exchanging books. Reminders from the owners to our neighbours, are not to put other household goods inside the boxes and never leave garbage inside. Furthermore, don’t take the library with you just because they look cute.
Many builders decorate their library’s with vibrant colours, loads of creativity, and make them too adorable to be neglected by pedestrians. The tiny library’s presentation indeed helps attract more readers.
Are you thinking about building a Free Little Library as well? You can find more information and many tips on LittleFreeLibrary.org.
A map of Little Free Libraries within the Crown Point community including other free ‘littles’ like seed boxes. Click here for the link to the original map.
Have a story, photo, poem, or other imaginative talents to share? Reach out to us at contact@thepointhamilton.com so we can add your voice and your creative flare to The Point Community News. Not confident in your own writing abilities? We have a team of editors that can help tell your story.