Storing Overflow Books

My overflow collection of books, and how I store them.

Let me start off by saying how lucky I am that I have more people leave books than take them, despite books leaving my book exchange every week. I have a box of books in my closet that have not left my library for a while, ready for my next Little Free Library hunting trip. I have only been visiting my local area lately, with COVID so I have not been visiting and sharing books as much. occationally I would visit areas that need books, and fill up other steward's libraries

Generally I let books circulate in and out of my book exchange a few times before passing it along to another front yard libraries.

The tall skinny bookshelf on the left I keep children's chapter books. On the bigger book shelves on the right I keep other books. Bottom shelves, children's picture books, middle shelves adult novels and other adult books. The top shelves I organize by months. Jan/Feb slot has Black Lives Matter, Valentines Day books and Winnie the Pooh Day books. March/ April slot I have Pi Day books, Easter books, and gardening books.

Where to Plant Your Little Free Library

If you plan to plant your library somewhere other than your own property, get permission first. If you plant your library on your property, make sure it is on your property, not on city boulevard, see City Takes Bown Book Exchange.

Where to "plant" your Little Free library, or book exchange?

If you choose to set up your library on a post dug into the ground, "call before you dig". Many people also set up their library on other more moveable objects that create height.

From the City of Burlington:
Every time you dig in the ground, wherever it may be, you need to think about what services might be buried underground. Gas pipelines, electrical services, telephone and cable TV, water and sewer connections can all hurt you if you begin digging before understanding where they are located. Distribution networks for utilities that serve your neighborhood are also underground, and may be part of a larger national feeder route.

Damaging underground services can have serious consequences:
•Personal injury •Loss of essential services
•Creating a safety risk for others
•Expensive restoration costs and potential legal actions

Also be aware of snow removal, libraries should not block city, town or municipal snow removal services. From City of Burlington:
"All decorative items near sidewalks and curbs should be placed flat on the ground and a minimum of 30 cm (12 inches) away from the edge of the curb or sidewalk. This will help reduce the chance of damage to property or snow removal equipment and injury to operators".

The "flat to the ground" applies to blow up Christmas decorations, the keeping of libraries away from curbs, and sidewalks applies to Little Free Libraries. I believe if you live in an area that gets snow, people should not plant your library where snow accumulates, or where snow is plowed/ shoveled onto. Another option is moving your library either inside during winter weather, or during snow events.

Little Free Libraries, should not block sight lines of vehicles.



Libraries Get Ready For Winter
List Little Free libraries in Burlington, Ontario

Book Crossing

I have started Book Crossing

I caught a book a couple of weeks ago. After I read it I logged onto Book Crossing, made a Journal Entry that I enjoyed the book, and where I set it free, when I was done reading it. The book has travelled from Florida, to Norway to Canada!

I took a few of my books, registered them with the book crossing site, got a BCID code (Book Crossing code) wrote the code inside each of the book's inside cover. I then released the books free into the wild. I left them both into my own book exchange, and a few other Little Free Libraries and book exchanges as I travel.

Book Crossing books can be found (and left) in Little Free Libraries, hospitals, bus stations any public places they are likely to be, caught read and then set free for someone else.

I am hoping books can be caught and/or released in my book exchange. I am hoping some of the books I register get caught and travel, be it across my city, or across the globe.

City Takes Down Book Exchange

Where to plant a Little Free Library, or book exchange?


If you plan to plant it on your property, make sure it is on your property, not on city or municipal property.   Today I saw a book exchange, being taken down, by workers employed by the City of Burlington (Bailey's Books on Inverary Road, in Burlington) the crew was removing tree stumps along the boulevard. The book exchange was attached to a tree stump, the city was planning to remove. If you want to install a Little Free Library on city property, get the city's permission. If you want to plant a library in a community centre, get the community centre's permission, or city park's permission.

I really have to wonder WHY a crew would take down a book exchange that benefits the community! At least they placed it on the steward's grass, over putting it into the wood chipper!

UPDATE: Steward was able to save Bailey's Books library, and replant it on the homeowners side of the sidewalk.

When installing a Little Free Library make sure your library does not interfere with snow removal, of both sidewalks and roads. Think of where the snow will end up during snow plowing. Make sure your library does not interfere with sight lines, especially if you have a corner lot. Think of where drivers need to see, when turning corners.

When planning where to put a Little Free Library look at your local guidelines, and bylaws.
City of Burlington:
All decorative items near sidewalks and curbs should be placed flat on the ground and a minimum of 30 cm (12 inches) away from the edge of the curb or sidewalk.  This will help reduce the chance of damage to property or snow removal equipment and injury to operators.  The city is not responsible for damage to decorative items located within the road allowance.

List of Little Free Libraries and book exchanges in Burlington, Ontario.

If you plan to put your book exchange on a deeply planted post Call Before You Dig to make sure you don't harm underground infrastructure.

There are a number of ways to have a book exchanges not implanted into the ground.

I recommend putting your Little Free Library between the sidewalk (if you have one) and the house. People may feel shy, if you put it too close to the house.

Little Free Library Facebook Pages

If your Little Free Library, or book box has a Facebook page, what kind of posts do you share? Here are some suggestions:

Post a shelfie, highlight new donations or books that you recommend. The 'shelfie' is a close-up image that clearly shows the inside of a Little Free Library so that its current selection of books is clearly visible. This is a chance to engage your visitors.

If your library has a theme going, post a shelfie. Special Days may include books by Women for International Women's Day, pirate books, for Talk Like a Pirate Day or books written by Canadians for Canada Day. themes do not have to be about a special day, random library takeovers are also fun shelfies to post. Library takeovers may include, recipe books, mental health books, green books, murder mystery books or history books.

If you decorate the outside of your library for holidays, such as Halloween or Christmas post pictures on your library's Facebook page.

Post pictures and locations of other Little Free Libraries and book boxes in your area.

Post local author book and reading events in your area, chances are your Facebook fans like books. Support local authors.

Post reading and book Facebook memes, and jokes.
See also Ontario Little Free Libraries on Facebook

This is an opinion article, if you are interested in doing a guest post please contact me.

Rock Groups Visit Little Free Libraries

Rock Groups have been visiting Little Free Libraries and book exchanges for a couple of years but I have noticed an increase lately.

Families playing, paint rocks then hide them typically at city parks, but some families hide them also around Little Free Libraries as well. Those playing the game sometimes seek rocks, keep one rock then rehide the rest. Rock groups typically post on Rock Groups Facebook pages pictures of rocks their children have found, or rocks they have painted posting when they have done a "rock drop" at a selected park.

Some stewards also do their own painted rocks for visitors, or the children of the stewards have left rocks around the family's Little Free Library.

Burlington Rocks (closed group) members have posted about dropping and finding rocks mostly at city of Burlington parks, but also at Little Free Libraries (list of Burlington Little Free Libraries).

A rock has been spotted around Turner Drive Book Exchange in Burlington this summer.

Rocks have been spotted around Elmside Crescent Little Free Library in Burlington this summer.


Rocks have been hidden and found at Elizabeth Gardens Little Free Library in Burlington (not pictured)










Milton Rocks From the Milton Group:
Take a Rock
Leave a Rock
Or re home a rock...

All locations are welcome..
Photos are encouraged..


The steward at Woodpine Little Free Library in Waterdown reported spotting a rock last year from someone from the Waterdown Rocks Facebook Group. See List of Little Free Libraries in Waterdown

Using a Little Free Library

How to use a Little Free Library, or book exchange:

Take a look in a Little Free Library, and choose a book. Later return the book, or donate another book to the Little Free Library.

Another option is to take a book, read it then return it to another Little Free Library. This way you can share the book with a different community.

Some people put a hand written note on a post-it note, or note in the inside cover of the book, about what they liked about the book they are donating.

If the Little Free Library has a guest book, feel free to sign it.

Some Little Free Libraries are also Book Crossing Sites. This allows readers the chance to follow the book around as different people read it.

If you have books that you are willing to share, consider donating them to a Little Free library near you.

Generally if I take a book from a Little Free Library I leave one behind, I tend to leave books in Little Free Libraries that are on the empty side when I visit.

Some Little Free Libraries are on Twitter or Facebook. This can be a way to find out what is happening with the Little Free Libraries in your area.

See Also
Unusual Donations Found in Little Free Libraries

Ready For Winter

Many Little Free Libraries and book exchanges are getting ready for winter, latches are being tightened, shingles are being secured and sealants are at the ready. Some libraries are being decorated with snowmen, Christmas angels or seasonal lights. Some stewards are adding Christmas, winter and other holiday books. Most Libraries remain open during winter, ready for winter reading.

Some book exchanges are taken down for the winter, others are being raised off the ground,. I have encountered a couple of libraries that are directly on the frozen ground have winter damage not raised somehow (typically on a pole) at least during winter months.

Generally libraries off the winter frozen ground in sheltered locations do better, however many stewards are able to keep their libraries in good shape over winter with a little TLC.

I talked to one steward, who puts out a basic library during the winter, and a more decorative library during warmer seasons.

Most stewards leave a note on their library around this time of year if they plan to take down their library during winter months. Other stewards let people know they are closing for winter by announcing it on their Social Network, if they have one

See:
Ontario Little Free Libraries on Facebook
Ontario Little libraries on Twitter


Some stewards wrap up their libraries during severe storms. If a steward is travelling this winter they may want some one to look in on your library see Looking After Little Free library While Steward Travels.

Using the Little Free Library Name

The Free Little Library name is owned by the Little Free Library Organisation. If a person wishes to use the Little Free Library name they should register their library with the Little Free Library Organisation. Registering your library comes with pros and cons, in my opinion registration should remain a personal choice. Although I see it as highly unlikely the Little Free Library organisation, would sue individuals for using their name, without permission. In my opinion it is disrespectful to use their name, with out permission. It would be like inventing and selling a new type of facial tissue, you would not be able to call them Kleenex because Kleenex is a trade marked brand name.

For this reason I avoid calling a free library, a Little Free Library unless it is registered with the Little Free Library Organisation. Australia have their own free library organization that people can map and register their libraries, that they call Street Libraries. In Europe many public bookcases are registered via the Open Book Case project. About half the book boxes in Ontario are registered with the Free Little library Organization.

Unregistered little libraries are often called Book Exchanges, Free Libraries, Book Trading Posts, Pop-up Libraries, Community Book Exchanges, Front Yard Library, Public Bookcase, Lending Box, Micro Library, Blessing Box, Rogue Library, Open Book Case or many other names. Many cities and communities have groups that allow caregivers (or stewards) of Little Free Libraries, and unregistered libraries to put their libraries on maps or lists libraries to help people find libraries, and offer support, in building and maintaining libraries. The Free Little Library organisation also supports stewards in many ways, many find a local groups more or just as helpful.

Book exchanges and free libraries have existed well before the Free Little Library movement, the movement has made book exchanges more widely known, and recognisable.

If you wish to promote your Ontario Little Free Library (registered or not) you may contact me, and I will be happy to post a blog article on your free library, and put your library on our lists. For Stewards Page. As many people who search for Little Free libraries and Book Exchanges use this blog, and it's lists, you may find more visitors will find your library. (registered or not)

From the Little Free Library website:
Build: To protect the Little Free Library name and quality of the Libraries themselves, the name Little Free Library and its common variations are trademarked. If you want to use the name Little Free Library, you must have an official charter sign and charter number on your Library.

Looking After a Free Little Library While The Steward Travels

As a library steward, I knew my little book box needed at least one person to look in on it while we traveled. Just like we arrange for someone to take care of a pet and bring in the mail, we asked people to keep an eye on our book exchange.

Occasionally people put in items that do not belong in a book exchange (religious tracks or flyers) or leave the door open. We had some one leave books outside of the book box, exposed to the elements, so I wanted someone to look in on it, while we wee away.

I asked a neighbour to look in our book exchange once a day, as well as bring in the mail and feed and play with our cat for a little while each day.

Another friend who lives nearby took a peek in our library and exchanged some books while we were away for u,s as well.

I believe book boxes should be part of the community, therefore it is up to the community to help keep books moving, however repairs and removal of inappropriate items usually falls on the steward.

Generally it is not a good idea to tell everyone when you travel, but asking a friend or two, who can bring in your mail, water the plants and perhaps cheek in on your Little Free Library or book exchange is a good idea.

See Also:
Unusual Donations Found in Little Free Libraries

Unusual Donations Found Little Free Libraries

I visit Free Little Libraries fairly frequently, and have found many items left behind both by Stewards and those who visit them, other than books.

Guest Book
Stewards often place guest books for visitors to sign while visiting.

Painted Rocks
Some community groups will leave painted rocks in, at or around Little Free Libraries.

Music
Music sheets for people learn to play or sing music.

DVDs and CDs
Many book exchanges welcome these donations in moderation, others do not.

Postcards and Calling Cards
Some Little Free Library stewards leave behind calling cards or bookmarks, while visiting other peoples Book Exchanges and Little Free Libraries advertising their own LFL. For the most part Stewards welcome these.

Business Cards of Local Businesses
Most Stewards do not welcome these, they come off as advertising, by most.

Bookmarks
Most often Stewards leave these, but sometimes visitors do, as long as they don't come off as advertising these are usually welcome.

Cards
Deck of playing cards, or educational flash cards most stewards welcome these if they are complete decks.

Magazines
These are generally welcome by stewards..

Maps
I once saw a paper map in a book exchange, I would suggest only donating if in reasonable shape and the map is in somewhat local area.

Colouring Books, Dot-to-Dot Books, Crossword Puzzles, Mad Libs, Sudoku Puzzels
Usually welcome in moderation, if unused.

Comic Books
All most always welcome.

Seeds
Gardening seeds, many have mixed feelings on these in Little Free Libraries, if your going to donate, make sure they have not expired and only donate during planting season. I once saw a plant, this was not a good idea for a number of reasons including lack of lightfor the plant, and dirt in the pot not being friendly to books.

Event Pamphlets
Some stewards have put in pamphlets on local events, including events at public libraries. Event pamphlets can comes off more like advertising, than local information.

Candy
I am not big on this, either donated or left by the stewards.

Craft Patterns
Crotchet, sewing or knitting patterns, are usually welcome. I would suggest only donating a couple, at a time.

Cookbooks
Make sure cookbooks do not have "foods samples" in the form of food smears in them. We do not want to bring insect or animal life into the book exchanges.

Authors
Authors will occasionally leave behind bookmarks or books, often autographed books in Little Free Libraries.

Art Book
A caregiver of a Book Exchange told me he found a book, of hand drawn art by a child who lived in the area of his book Exchange.

For Sale
The Little Free library Organization sells items for Stewards to put in their Little Free Libraries, other mostly online retailers also sell similar items.

Religious Tracks
These items are almost always unwelcome, I am aware that Jehovah Witness (main offender) are required to put in service hours and leaving behind Watchtower/ Awake magazines is an easy way of doing this.

Thank You
Thanks to the Stewards at The Blue House Little Free Library (Hamilton) and the former steward at Levanna Lane Little Free Library (Oakville) who told me about some of the items they have found at their Little Free Libraries.

Political Pamphlets
These are most common during elections

This is an opinion article.
What unusual items have you found either as a visitor or as a steward of a Book Exchange or Free Little Library? I expect not everyone will agree with the statements I've made on this post.

If you are interested in writing an opinion article, about your Little Free Library/ book exchange, or a blog post about a library product please contact me (vowel soup @ Hotmail.com) I do not pay people to write articles.