I went here yesterday, Monday, June 10, 2019…read more
I was amazed that The Summit, a high-end and ritzy shopping center in Reno, had a community book box. It is located in the plaza of The Summit, which is in the center of the shopping center, on the side of Van's, by the fountains. The book box is listed on the website as belonging to Lori Knudtzon of Bayer Properties (Charter #34192), the latter of which owns and manages The Summit.
As I went here, I noticed the sign on the box that said "The Summit's Little Free Library". There was also a larger sign above it on a protective overhang, which also had two lights under it which illuminate the box at night. The Summit advertises this as a guest amenity for shoppers and I think it was part of the design when they built this shopping center.
Anyone can start a Little Free Library. The website has thousands of locations across the country, and Reno has many. You just have to get the supplies to make and mount the box, either yourself or for a cost from the website (https://littlefreelibrary.myshopify.com/); and get used book donations. The only requirements are that the box be water tight and that it have a clear door so people can see the books. You can watch the videos on how to start one here: https://littlefreelibrary.org/start/, and here: https://vimeo.com/72957294. The website locator is here: https://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/.
Some community book boxes are like old newspaper boxes converted, where the door opens at the top and closes automatically from pressurized hinges at the bottom. The one in Carson City City Hall is like this. But this library box was like a cabinet, with a manual latch on the bottom. The left door opened fine, but the right door would not open. I looked inside to try to find a lock or latch, but I saw nothing. The maintenance guy from The Summit, who was cleaning nearby, said that right door does not open. I am not sure why, as it looks like it should.
There were two shelves for books. I looked through them to see if there was anything that I would like to borrow, but no luck. (If patrons take a book, they must leave one in its place.) They were all cheesy novels and children's books. One book was on its side, so I fixed it.
I was happy the book box was there. even though I didn't find anything. I think this is such a cute thing, and hunting down all these community book boxes is a fun project! The only reason I am leaving only four stars is the right door did not open, which makes taking out books harder. I also wish this were listed on The Summit's website directory, like they do Putting Place, the free 7-hole putting green provided as a guest amenity by The Summit.