After visiting my first Little Free Library, I decided on making a bucket list of experiencing more…read morelocations. Each Little Free Library has its own flare, look, theme, and book selection so the phrase "When you see one, you have seen them all" certainly does not apply here. Wondering what a Little Free Library is? Let me copy/paste my well-articulated description from my other review:
Little Free Libraries are small, birdhouse-like structures maintained by private curators (businesses, home-owners, people like you and me) in association with the charity, Little Free Library. The charity helps individuals create and upkeep the libraries (you can even purchase pre-built structures from them). How does it work? Simple: the merit system. You bring a book and take a book. Heck, you can even take a book without bringing one but don't be a greedy and take them all (note: this is more like a book store versus a library because you get to keep the book if you want).
Got it? It's all quite simple. So how does this Little Free Library rate? Located in a residential neighborhood which, granted, is generally quiet; the area was a bit unkempt. The Little Free Library is located facing a sidewalk in front of a home and is difficult to see because dented-junk cars are parked by the curb adjacent to it while tons of overgrown foliage, ivy, and spider-web filled plants curtail one from walking directly up to the structure. Based on the other photos, it appears that it was more appealing in the past. Yes, this Little Free Library has benches which is a cute touch and not one that all have; but even those are not well-maintained. To say the least, it isn't that inviting.
Despite this, the main focus is the books so I continued my exploration. Sadly, the books here aren't that great. There is a wide variety in terms of subject (children's books, novels, non-fiction, and art) but the books are old and not in the best shape. This Little Free Library is more akin to the selection at a thrift store but without the occasional treasures. In fact, I left without taking a book. I am not opposed to coming back to seeing if the selection improves when I am in the area but I wouldn't go out of my way.
Overall, I am glad this Little Free Library exists and I give credit to the neighborhood and curator but the heart and passion in the upkeep seems to be missing. It has potential and I can see from the photos that it was there but merely slipped. Regardless, this Little Free Library is still suggested for book lovers in the area who seek out the magic of these little neighborhood libraries but there are better ones available.