The simplicity of physically turning the pages of a book and reflecting on the words, characters, and plot is lost in today’s digital world. Smartphones and other technological devices have had a profound impact on individual cognitive development, mental health and our culture at large.
The Little Free Libraries Movement
It is the reason why Little Free Libraries are so important. The LFL movement started about fifteen years ago. It was when Todd Bol from Hudson, Wisconsin, built the first reading box and filled it with books as a tribute to his mother, a teacher who loved reading. It seemed like overnight; neighbours celebrated his great idea by asking him to build and distribute seven more. The rest is history.
The momentum behind his idea keeps growing. Today, there are estimated to be about 150,000 LFLs in over 115 countries. The concept is simple but effective because it promotes reading and community involvement through book sharing.
Growth in NFLD
In Newfoundland and Labrador, Little Free Libraries are popping up in communities all over the province. But what is it about these miniature reading stations that people love so much? Why are they so popular?
Jennifer Vallis-Noseworthy is originally from Newfoundland. She graduated from MUN and the Grace Hospital School of Nursing and then moved to Texas in 1996 to travel nursing up and down the East Coast of the USA for 22 years. While away, she became a dual Citizen. When she returned in 2017, she got engaged in 2018 and married in 2019. She currently lives in Flatrock with her husband, Jonathan.
She said the adventure behind discovering new LFL boxes makes it all worth it. During a staycation summer and shortly after COVID-19, Noseworthy and her husband decided to build their own LFL. Later, she started a Little Free Libraries of Newfoundland Facebook Group.
They still travel the island searching for registered and unregistered LFL boxes.
“I love books. Our little town loves it. We try to put seasonal things in it and other fun stuff like painted rocks,” said Noseworthy. “My husband loves driving around, searching for new ones. He also loves being the steward of the LFL. He tidies it up and checks it often.”
What are the criteria for starting an LFL?
Anyone interested in starting an LFL can easily do so. According to the LittleFreeLibraries.org website, the first step in building an LFL is identifying the location. Some recommended areas are in front of a home, a public park, or a school—basically, a high-traffic area where people will notice it.
The next step is assigning a steward responsible for maintaining the library. If you enjoy travelling around Newfoundland and discovering the different LFL designs, there are options to build your own. You can also purchase a ready-to-install-one including library plan blueprints and installation instructions
Once your LFL is in place, you must register it(not everyone does). This task is completed by purchasing a charter sign for a one-time cost of $50. It allows owners to legally use the name LFL with a welcome to the LFL network. After setting up registration, the steward account is set up next. Last is word-of-mouth advertising to spread the word about your LFL while encouraging neighbours to borrow and read.
What genres of books do you place in an LFL?
Technically, any book will occupy space in your library, but you want people to read it. Some popular choices include children’s books, books for young and middle-aged readers, adult books, books of local interest, culturally diverse books, and books in other languages.
Noseworthy, who registered her LFL box in Flatrock, said many people increase traffic to their Libraries by hiding Geocaches (an International treasure hunt game) in them. She also said some tourists plan their vacations around them.
She said that during the winter, most LFL owner stewards store them until the spring or keep the area shovelled and salted for guests. Noseworthy said the pure joy of having an LFL is watching people interact with them for the first time. She said watching everyone, from expecting mothers picking out a nighttime book to read to their little ones to kids waiting for the bus picking out a new book to people walking their dogs discovering a new treasure, is a unique experience.
They make a meaningful and positive impact on communities, said Noseworthy.
“They increase children's and adults' interest in books and reading. It's like having a free, no-screen-time outdoor activity for families.”
If you have questions or want to learn more about Little Free Libraries of Newfoundland, join the Facebook group.
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