Little Free Libraries popping up St. Paul

Four library stewards share their stories

by Tesha M. Christensen

Todd Bol believes that everyone does better if kids can read. Because of that, the former Minneasota resident co-founded the Little Free Library movement in 2010.

Since that first Little Free Library (LFL) was erected in Hudson, Wis. on May 8, 2010, the idea has taken off.

The Little Free Library World Map lists 9 LFLs in the Como and Midway neighborhoods.

The idea of a Little Free Library is simple. A small structure is erected in an accessible yard and filled with books. The “Take a book, return a book” system means anyone can add to the collection or take from it. Readers include those over age 50, as well as preschool children.

A child with 20 books in his or her home will read up to two grade levels higher than children without, according to Bol.

In September 2011, there were 5 Little Free Libraries in Minnesota. Now there are 900. There is a LFL in all 50 states, and in 50 countries.

Learn more at http://www.littlefreelibrary.org/.

962 Como Ave.

Heather Lewis

After earning her master’s in library and information science in 2010, Lewis decided it was the perfect opportunity to share her love of libraries with her daughter’s Girl Scout troop.

The troop used the LFL as a vehicle to discuss several different ideas. “We talked about the value of reading and how important it is to have access to books,” said Lewis.

“We looked at the Little Free Library International Google Map and talked about how reading is as important in St. Paul as it is in Sao Paulo. Our Little Free Library connects us to a community beyond our neighborhood. 

“We also used as an opportunity for self-expression.”

The library was seeded with donations from the Girl Scout troop, and there has been a steady stream of mystery books, cook books, self-help books, and, of course, kids books.

After building a chicken coop in her backyard, Lewis (who has no carpentry experience) found the confidence to construct the LFL.

The Girl Scouts contributed some of the materials for constructing the library, painted the outside of the library and proudly signed the back. Once installed the girls had a grand opening, serving cookies and lemonade to neighbors who stopped by.

Located right across the street from Como Park (and near a bus stop), their LFL sees a lot of dog walkers, as well as bus riders and kids on their way to the bus stop.

“Our LFL has definitely brightened our front yard,” said Lewis. “We love it!”

786 W Lakeview Ave.

Linda Leegard

“Sharing a love of books is a wonderful thing,” said Leegard. “I think it makes people happy.  I know my grandchildren think of it as kind of magical to just be able to take a book.”

The library provides an additional way to meet and talk to neighbors.  “I’ve now joined our neighborhood book club and knitting club, both of which I never knew existed,” said Leegard. “The library provides another link to join us together.”

The library sustains itself, although Leegard does visit garage sales to be sure there are always children’s book on hand. 

People of all ages stop at the library -- some just to browse, some to find a book to read, and some to add books. Leegard feels especially gratified to see parents with their children exchanging a book they’ve read for a new one.

Leegard’s husband designed and built their LFL, and she chose the colors and painted it. 

“I love my library,” said Leegard. “I couldn’t imagine our house without it!”

821 Iglehart Ave.

Meg Thomas

“I knew I wanted a little library the moment I read about them,” recalled Thomas. She was a very fast reader as a child, and her local library restricted children to three books at a time. “That wasn’t really enough to last the two-mile walk home! I was always a bit book deprived.” 

For her 50th birthday, her partner built one. 

They are new in the neighborhood and the little library is (slowly) helping them meet the neighbors. 

One of the things she loves is how other people take charge of putting books in. One night people took a copy of the U.S. constitution and left about 12 books, “including a copy of a children’s book on racism written by a close friend - so sweet!” 

Lots of people stop by for books, too -- little kids, tough looking teens, moms, people on their way home from work. 

“One mom told me her child was now potty trained - thanks in part to a copy of ‘Everyone Poops’ she found in there,” said Lewis. 

  

1162 W. Lafond Ave.

Rita Dalbec

Drivers, walkers and non-walkers (toddlers and wheel chairs) visit Dalbec’s LFL. “Some just look, for others it is a jackpot,” she said.

She believes the benefit of a LFL is that books are available outside of regular local library hours and no cards are required.

Dalbec’s library has all types of book.  “The inappropriate books (porn) were removed by a caring/attentive neighbor,” she said.

Her 86-year-old, nearly completely blind father, Norbert Nilsson, a retired St. Paul Police officer, built this library. “Dad came up with his own design and used mostly donated materials from my sister, a retired St Paul school teacher, Susan Davis, and a neighbor, Doug Montzka,” said Dalbec. “The paint and license plate decor were my idea and all the license plates are donated from neighbors and others far and wide.”

She added, “A little free library ‘takes a village’ to work.”

This story was printed in the September 2013 edition of the St. Paul Monitor.