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Little Free Libraries - San Francisco to San Jose

By
Real Estate Agent with Compass CA DRE# 01215160

The "Little Free Library" movement is gaining momentum here in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Jackson Street mini libraryOn a recent walk through the Pacific Heights neighborhood in San Francisco, I spotted this mini-library in the front yard of a house on Jackson Street.

I've spied others in the Ladera area of Portola Valley, and several in the Willow Glen area of San Jose.

Little Free Library started in 2009 by Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin as a tribute to his mother, a former teacher who loved reading. The movement spread quickly. As of January, 2014, a conservative estimate has 10,000 - 12,000 registered Little Free Libraries. And it continues to grow.

The mission of Little Free Library is two-fold:

  1. to promote literacy and the love of reading worldwide by building free book exchanges, and
  2. to build a sense of community across generations

What a nice way to spread the joy of reading, meet your neighbors, and recycle books! I have a book or two I plan to drop off, and who know what I might pick to read next?

If this idea intrigues you as it does me, you'll enjoy watching this short video:

What is springing up in your neighborhood? A Little Free Library, perhaps?

 

Karen Crowson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Rancho Bernardo, CA
Your Agent for Change

I'd never heard of these, but what a great idea. With the advent of the iPad and Kindle, I found myself going digital. But now I'm reading less. Too many distractions on that device. I'm going back to paper!

Mar 24, 2014 01:10 PM
Come Home ATX
Come Home ATX - Austin, TX
Realtors

These are great for building a sense of community! Love it and I hope it continues to grow.

Mar 24, 2014 01:12 PM
Christi Hacker
Realty ONE Group Sterling - Omaha, NE
Your Omaha Area Real Estate Specialist

I love this idea, I know that my neighborhood would love having one too!

Mar 24, 2014 01:42 PM
Rob Spinosa
US Bank - Larkspur, CA
Mortgage Loan Originator, Marin County

I can see some communities really embracing this, but it does take a certain degree of walkability to really take root.  SF is a great city for something like it, though, and thanks for making note.  I will be on the lookout when I go on broker tour.

Mar 24, 2014 02:52 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

We need these everywhere! Never stop learning. :)

 

Love and light,

Laura

Mar 24, 2014 03:31 PM
Kevin Ray
Resident Realty - Aurora, CO
REALTOR & U.K. Real Estate Consultant

Lottie ~ very cool idea, I have never heard of the Little Free Library but love the idea. Will definitely keep my eye out for them.

Mar 24, 2014 09:56 PM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Lottie, I haven't heard of a Little Free library. It's an excellent idea though.

Mar 24, 2014 10:06 PM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Hi Evelyn - share this post with one of your town friends; maybe your community will find one pop up for the enjoyment of all.

Karen, I still do most of my reading with paper books. I have a couple on my iPad for times when I travel, wait at doctor appointments, etc., but I like the touch and feel of paper.

Little Free Library is a capitivating idea, isn't it Mark?

Christi, maybe one will pop up in your neighborhood one day, to the delight and benefit of many.

Mar 24, 2014 11:18 PM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Rob, they are on the Peninsula, too, in Portola Valley and Menlo Park I know. San Jose's Willow Glen neighborhood has at least two. If you spot others around in SF or Marin, let me know, OK?

Laura - I agree. Blessings to you.

Kevin, some day when you least expect it, you'll probably spot a Little Free Library and be charmed. I hope so, in any rate.

 

Mar 24, 2014 11:22 PM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Kevin, I hope you have the joy of spotting a Little Free Library; it will undoubtedly bring a smile to your face.

Michael, I'm glad you like this idea. It's a fun one.

Mar 24, 2014 11:23 PM
Rob Ernst
Certified Structure Inspector - Reno, NV
Reno, NV-775-410-4286 Inspector & Energy Auditor

I will have to keep a look out next time I'm down that way. Maybe I will bring a few copies of the home inspection book I give to my clients. 

Mar 24, 2014 11:48 PM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Great idea, Rob!

Mar 24, 2014 11:49 PM
Laura Foreman
Referral Maker Real Estate CRM - Carlsbad, CA
Copywriter, Buffini & Company

I saw this in a few spots about a decade ago in Portland, Oregon, and as a book nerd it made me giggle with glee. Such a great little way to build community and promote literacy!

Mar 25, 2014 01:35 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Laura, let's hope this Little Free Library movement continues to grow. It's a delightful concept.

Mar 25, 2014 02:38 AM
Jill Saddler
Draper, UT
Draper Utah Real Estate Professional - 25 years+!

I absolutely love this idea - how sweet! I haven't seen any around my towns, maybe it's time for me to start the trend!

Mar 25, 2014 02:42 AM
Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging
Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR
"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

Lottie ~ we have some of these in my neighborhood, too!  What a pleasant surprise to come across them when walking my dog Maggie.  I think it's one of those ideas that help neighbors come together.

Mar 25, 2014 02:45 AM
Marc McMaster
RE/MAX Centre Realty - State College, PA
Putting my clients before myself

There are a few of these in our town as well. Very neat to see as you drive down the street in State College, PA. 

Mar 25, 2014 05:29 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Jill, go for it! Think of how many new friends you'll make as you spread the happiness around.

Maureen, you're right -- a good way to enhance a community. Post a picture of one from Portland OR, OK?

Wonderful, Marc. Maybe you'll add a photo of some Little Free Libraries in State College, PA.

Mar 25, 2014 08:10 AM
1~Judi Barrett
Integrity Real Estate Services 116 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745 - Idabel, OK
BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK

I love the concept of "Little Free Library" and it's two fold mission. 

Mar 27, 2014 11:07 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

I do, too, Judi. How about in Idabel--do you have an office in a downtown area? Or a friend who might start one? The ideas flow!

Mar 27, 2014 02:19 PM