Take A Book, Leave A Book
Read and donate books on the spot with Astoria’s Little Free Libraries
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By HAYLEY BRIDGEWATER
@HAYLEYREE3
“A Little Free Library is a wonderful way
to signal that you live in a community that
cares,” said Margret Aldrich, LFL media and
programming manager. “One of my favorite
things is to see kids get excited to discover
a Little Free Library, open the door and
choose a book to take home with them — I
hope they become book lovers for life. I especially
love that Little Libraries are open to
everyone, regardless of age, background or
belief — everyone is welcome.”
Many Little Free Libraries are set up in
and around public places such as parks,
hospitals, schools and even businesses and
houses. The bookshelves are usually inside a
mini wooden house with a windowed door,
and the small structure is supported by a
wooden post. A metal plaque or sign identifies
it as a Little Free Library on the outside
of the little house.
“Why you install a Little Free Library can
depend on what your community needs:
Some neighborhoods don't have a public
library or bookstore, so a Little Library can
help bridge the gap, with books available 24
hours a day, seven days a week,” Aldrich said.
“Other neighborhoods use Little Free Libraries
to help bring people together and instill
a sense of community connectedness. We
often hear stories of neighbors meeting each
other for the first time at a Little Free Library.”
BY ALLISON KRIDLE
I can’t count how many times
I have gone to Astoria Park to
bask in the sunshine on a patch
of grass and forgot the most
important thing: a book. I’m sure
many Astorians have experienced
the same disappointment. But
forgetful readers are in luck:
the Astoria Park Alliance (APA)
installed a community library in
Astoria Park in June 2018 through
a partnership with the nonprofit
Little Free Library (LFL).
Photos courtesy of Anthony Liberatoscioli & Astoria Park Alliance
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