I love to read and actual books! We even have a Thursday feature on book recommendations with my favorite book whisperer, Linda Sullivan! We all identify the public libraries, the eclectic book stores, but how about birdhouse-like structures that are really little libraries?
Neighborhoods, church groups and private citizens have built 50 of these quaint little libraries on the curbs throughout Knoxville with one in Powell on Jennifer Drive in the yard of Ryan and Makenzey Murr.
The Little Free Library is a nonprofit by San Jose University: Little Free Library.
Little libraries are such a fantastic way to foster a love for reading and build a sense of community. If you’re thinking about starting a little library in your own neighborhood, you can get creative with the design, perhaps painting it in vibrant colors or decorating it with artwork and here are some steps from Handy Man Builder. Build the Little Library.
Ryan says they started their little library out of their love for reading and to create a sense of community within their own neighborhood. He says, “Reading can offer so many things from great insight of wise individuals to an escape from reality and so much more – by having a Little Free Library in our neighborhood, our neighbors don’t have to travel to a book store or the library to pick up a quick read. They just have to walk down the street! And maybe while they’re walking down the road, they get to chat with a neighbor. It’s a win-win.”
Their library will soon have an additional doggy library of treats at the bottom of the structure so the neighborhood dog walkers can offer a treat to the canine
friends as well.
As will all little libraries, there are no rules for visitors. It is completely free with no strings attached. The Murrs encourage visitors to sign Little Free Library app virtual guest book when visiting.
Donations are always welcome and if the library is full, donors are more than welcome to leave them on the Murrs covered porch. All excess books either get donated to other local little free libraries or are held for restocking at the Murrs.
Maybe, our book whisperer recommendations will show up at these little libraries!
All of us have a story and I want to tell yours! Send them to susan@knoxtntoday.com