Is there anything quite like sitting outside in your camp chair, hearing the wind in the treetops, with a cup of coffee in one hand and a good book in the other? Or curling up to read by the light of a cozy fire? For many, relaxing with a book is an essential part of camping.
But in an RV, the space and weight of a stack of books aren’t optimal. Electronic books are a great option, unless your goal is to put down your electronic devices for a while. Libraries are wonderful, but when you’re away from home, you won’t be able to check out books to enjoy in your campsite. Little Free Libraries might be the solution!
What are Little Free Libraries?
Little Free Libraries are exactly what the name implies: they are little, they are free, they are libraries. Each is hosted in front yards or public places, and anyone can create a Little Free Library and register it with the organization to list on their directories.
The first Little Free Library was built in 2009 by Todd H. Bol. Other people soon jumped on the vision and in less than ten years, the idea has spread around the world. Margret Aldrich, a spokesperson for the non-profit organization, shared: “tens of millions of books are shared annually through the book exchanges, which are individually managed by volunteer stewards in all 50 states and in 88 countries.”
The idea is simple. The library is initially stocked with books from the steward’s personal collection. Anyone is free to take one of the books in the collection or to leave a book that they no longer want. Many people choose to exchange one book for another, but there are no requirements to leave as many as you take or even to return a book you have taken. There are no library cards or due dates, and since most are located outdoors, there are no opening or closing times to keep track of. They are just getting books into the hands of those who want to read them.
How to Find a Little Free Library
The Little Free Library website has an easy to use map search feature that is perfect for travelers. Clicking on the map pin gives both the street address and GPS coordinates for the library, along with a statement from the steward. There are options to search by zip code, city, state, or “near me” on a location-enabled device. You can also search by steward name, library name, or charter number if you are searching for a particular library. It couldn’t be easier to find a Little Free Library near you. And with over 75,000 libraries registered worldwide, chances are you’ll have several to choose from!
How to Create a Mobile Little Free Library
Creating a mobile Little Free Library is as simple as finding a good container, filling it with books, making a sign, and putting it out. A good container is waterproof, for obvious reasons, unless you plan to be home to bring it inside in wet weather or before dewfall. A plastic tub with a lid is a simple solution. Others have gotten creative, using old suitcases, wagons, or even an RV-shaped pet-carrier to house their eye-catching libraries. A good variety of books for all ages is appreciated, but the choice of books is yours. Make a sign to explain your library to passers-by and put it all out where it can be seen and accessed easily. If you’d like to list your library on the map for others to find, make sure to register it with the organization. There are a variety of library kits and ready-made signs available for purchase through their website if you prefer.
Community at Home and On the Road
In addition to encouraging literacy and love of reading, Little Free Library stewards say interaction with their community is their favorite reward for their efforts. They enjoy the opportunity to meet their neighbors when they stop by to browse.
Brandy Matthews’ daughter, Lexie, started a Little Free Library in their front yard for her sixth birthday. It has been such a positive experience for them that they recently registered a second, mobile, library to take with them when they travel. Lexie’s Little Free Library Mobile Edition, library #M79910, just completed its maiden voyage at Disney’s Fort Wilderness resort with wonderful success! It even gave them the chance to meet another family, who made a point to thank them. Brandy remarked, “Lovely that books are still exciting in such a ‘magical’ and action-packed location!” Lexie’s mobile library is in a small pink tent intended for 18-inch dolls.
While mobile Little Free Libraries are relatively new for the organization, it is an idea that is well-suited to the RVing community, and it’s growing fast. On behalf of Little Free Libraries, Margret Aldrich says, “We love to see people sharing books and building community in whatever form that takes. Mobile Little Free Libraries can help bring people together around the joy of reading no matter where you roam.” We couldn’t agree more.
