By Christopher Lotito
This makes a lot of sense since many of us have far more used books in our homes than we can possibly use or re-gift. Even donation centers like The Salvation Army, Goodwill, churches, and community book sales are routinely overrun by many more books (generously given) than they can sell. Intriguingly, other items often make their way into the library boxes, including CDs, DVDs, Blu-Rays, and even video and computer games. Items vary, with some material being educational while much of it is simply entertainment. One box, operated by a church in Cedar Grove, has taken a different approach, opening a Little Free Pantry of free food in front of their sanctuary.
Some boxes have Little Free Library's motto, "Take a Book, Share a Book" written on the side, but it's not a hard and fast rule. The reality is, we live in a world of consumer excess and the boxes are an amazing social construct to help redistribute that excess to those who can use it. This is a welcome gift at a time in our national history when many of us are feeling more distanced from others than ever before. So whether you have something to share or not, consider heading to your local Little Free Library this week to pick up a good read and make a literary connection with someone in your community. Think of it as kindness, shelved and redistributed.
To find more Little Free Libraries, click here: https://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/
Do you know of a Little Free Library in your community? Leave the location in the comments!
Little Free Libraries in Cedar Grove:
- 79 Brunswick Rd (North End Little Free Library)
- 42 The Glen
- 186 Cedar St
- 131 Union St
Little Falls:
- Suchorsky Park on Island Ave
- Morris Canal Park off Main Street by the gazebo
- Wilmore Park closer to the fire department end
Verona:
- 20 East Lincoln Street
- 92 Elmwood Road
- 108 Park Ave
