Even when the local public library isn’t open, a new book to read might just be a walk down the street away.
The Swan Valley is currently home to a few Little Free Libraries (LFL) – two in Swan River (First Street North and Duncan Crescent) and one in Kenville being some examples.
LFLs are outdoor (and sometimes indoor) libraries that are free for anyone to use – take a book, leave a book, welcome for anyone to borrow or keep what’s inside.
“If you love reading, it’s a chance to see what others are reading, and to encouter random books from the neighbourhood,” said Kendra Thiessen, who has a LFL set up in her front yard on Duncan Crescent.”
While LFLs are conceptually connected – and the website littlefreelibrary.org providing plenty of resources – each library is up to individuals what kinds of books or other materials they wish to stock inside, and what each LFL looks like. In Thiessen’s case, her expectation is that her library remain child and teen friendly, rearranging the revolving collection so the child-friendly books are on the bottom shelf. Thiessen also decorated her LFL with a Dr. Seuss theme, highlighting the intention of a family-friendly space.
Naturally, of course, with every LFL, parent discretion is needed for children using an LFL, because of the double-edged sword of a free-to-use, free-to-access common good.
“I think it’s a good idea to be aware of the books that are going in and out of your library, so I try to check up on it every so often,” said Thiessen. “I haven’t had to remove any so far, but I really want my library to be child friendly, so I’m keeping an eye on it.”
Thiessen also has a guestbook in her’s as well, and has taken joy in hearing people’s comments and book suggestions.
“Sometimes I’ve been surprised at how many people have visited the library when I haven’t noticed,” she said. “The response has been very positive.
“If you love reading, and have spare books laying around like I do, this is a great chance to do something fun for our community. All you need is a little library. There are plenty of ideas online of how to make them yourself. For me, I’m not a very handy person, so my parents made it for me. My dad loves making little projects such as this, and I’m sure he’d be willing to be hired to make others – he also made the one my sister-in-law’s LFL in Kenville. And, my mom is a great painter and she painted mine and my sister-in-law’s.”
Of course, Thiessen loves the local North-West Regional Library, and believes there is plenty of space for a full-featured public library as well as multiple LFLs.
“Our librarians are so friendly and helpful and we have a great selection there,” said Thiessen. “I think the difference of having a LFL is you don’t have to return them if you don’t want to, and it’s along the road so it can be a very quick stop.
“The public library also has has hundreds of times more books than any of the LFLs, so you don’t go to a roadside library for your favourite author or a new release, but instead you go to it to be surprised and maybe discover a book you’ve never heard of before.
“Swan River is a beautiful town, with so many wonderful people here, and something I’m passionate about is community spirit,” Thiessen continued. “I want our town to be known for positive things, and I believe that comes from people creating the kind of culture that we want to have here. We shouldn’t ignore our challenges, but I don’t think that should be our everyday focus. Instead, I want to create a safe and fun experience, and I’ve seen how the little library is a place for people to pause their busy lives, discover a new book and maybe even meet some other people.
“It’s been so encouraging seeing people of all ages stopping at my little library, I think it can feel a little bit like discovering a treasure box, because you don’t know what you will find. At one of the other little libraries in town, I found a children’s book that I absolutely loved when I was younger, and I’m so excited that I could take it to read to my nieces and nephews.”
Visit littlefreelibrary.org for tips, kits to build, best practices, or frequently asked questions. With just a few handfuls of books available that can generally be stored in each location, there’s plenty of room for book-lovers to add a bright spot in their neighbourhood.