This looks fantastic and not nearly dull enough, but I have a silly and possibly dull gripe with the name "little free library", and this isn't directed at OP or anyone in particular, I know this is just what these things are typically called, but... you know that the big library is also free, right?
Not all libraries are free. There are private libraries that you have to buy a membership get in. University libraries often are technically student\staff only though they don't check that so anyone can walk in. My local schools have a library that i can't use.
I like to joke that they indicate you're entering a really posh neighbourhood. But they're by no means a bad thing. Maybe i should make the jump and be the first household on my street to install one
Thats really interesting actually, because around here theyre kinda known as a network for people with limited funds. Often theyre combined with mini foodbanks.
higher urbanisation rather than suburbanisation in UK compared to USA (i'm assuming you're USA).
Maybe more libraries exist already here and are easier to reach because of above point.
And i presume the nature + location of the "more middle class" streets puts them less at risk of vandalism
Middle class people have the most time to spare to make one
Possibly planning application is required
Even in rural places, it's usually a fancier house that puts one up on their plot. I'd say that could be because it's more visible and they're the people with permission from planning authorities for it.
Im Canadian but where I am communities are very mixed. That is in no way necessarily the norm im Canada, but you will see very expensive houses right next to a smaller low income household where I live.
I live in NS which is generally a very community oriented province. Lots of local initiatives.
Definitely no permit needed here to put up something like this! That would be very unpopular here.
If you're handy, free plans are available online. These things are small enough that they could be made entirely from off-cuts and scrap wood. You can probably find woodworkers in your area that would just give you the necessary material.
How large can a little library be before it's large enough to qualify as a regular library and requires a zoning permit? What exactly is the dividing line between "little library" and "library"? 😄
35 Comments
njm1314@lemmy.world · 34 pts · 12d
Not even remotely dull. Genuinely awesome.
EyIchFragDochNur@lemmy.world · 22 pts · 12d
Nice! Maybe write "free little library" or "books" or something on it. I'd believe it's for birds or weather measurement lol
PlaidBaron@lemmy.world · 21 pts · 12d
There are a few around town and Ive got a little plaque on order from the free little library association so it should all be good!
EyIchFragDochNur@lemmy.world · 10 pts · 12d
Perfect
PlaidBaron@lemmy.world · 19 pts · 12d
You know what, I took your advice anyway to make it more fun.
Not sure how long the stickers will last but thats ok.
EyIchFragDochNur@lemmy.world · 8 pts · 12d
The stickers make it fun and the plaque will add nobility
Velo enthusiasts high five
mesamunefire@piefed.social · 10 pts · 12d
Did you use a kit or did you make it yourself? Looks fantastic!
I have been thinking of getting one but im not sure I have the kind of time to build one for a while.
PlaidBaron@lemmy.world · 9 pts · 12d
I used a kit. With the price of lumber being what it is and my time being limited, it made the most sense.
I got one from a company called Keruyunla. Some Chinese company I believe.
Definitely had to make some minor adjustments but it was easy enough to build!
mesamunefire@piefed.social · 4 pts · 12d
Nice im seeing a couple of amazon.
ToiletFlushShowerScream@piefed.world · 7 pts · 12d
Well done sir!
PlaidBaron@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 12d
Thank you.
Glowstick@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 12d
Another cool thing is libraries don't have to be just for books! Like I've seen toy libraries for little kids toys, they age through them so quickly
PlaidBaron@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 12d
There's one around here that just stocks fabrics for people to use to sew things.
Glowstick@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 11d
Ooo that's a fantastic thing!
andros_rex@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 4d
It’s also a fun way to share art! I like to leave some of my prints in the books I’m going to donate.
eatCasserole@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 12d
This looks fantastic and not nearly dull enough, but I have a silly and possibly dull gripe with the name "little free library", and this isn't directed at OP or anyone in particular, I know this is just what these things are typically called, but... you know that the big library is also free, right?
bluGill@fedia.io · 11 pts · 12d
Not all libraries are free. There are private libraries that you have to buy a membership get in. University libraries often are technically student\staff only though they don't check that so anyone can walk in. My local schools have a library that i can't use.
PlaidBaron@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 12d
Lol. Yeah I never understood that part either.
isleepinahammock@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 3 pts · 11d
Obviously it means the library itself is free, and you can cart it off if you want. 😀
Swaus01@piefed.social · 2 pts · 12d
At the big library you pay with your soul and your social anxiety.
Swaus01@piefed.social · 6 pts · 12d
I like to joke that they indicate you're entering a really posh neighbourhood. But they're by no means a bad thing. Maybe i should make the jump and be the first household on my street to install one
PlaidBaron@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 12d
Thats really interesting actually, because around here theyre kinda known as a network for people with limited funds. Often theyre combined with mini foodbanks.
Sort of a grassroots thing.
Swaus01@piefed.social · 2 pts · 11d
Probably because of
Even in rural places, it's usually a fancier house that puts one up on their plot. I'd say that could be because it's more visible and they're the people with permission from planning authorities for it.
PlaidBaron@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 11d
Im Canadian but where I am communities are very mixed. That is in no way necessarily the norm im Canada, but you will see very expensive houses right next to a smaller low income household where I live.
I live in NS which is generally a very community oriented province. Lots of local initiatives.
Definitely no permit needed here to put up something like this! That would be very unpopular here.
Calfpupa@lemmy.ml · 3 pts · 12d
How much did it cost and how long did it take?
PlaidBaron@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 12d
The kit was $120ish. Pole and superspike were around $40. I already had the paint but didnt have to use much.
It took about 20 minutes to assemble and about an hour to install. A few days to paint.
All in all, super easy and pretty cheap. These are CAD prices so adjust accordingly if you're in the states.
jdr@lemmy.ml · 6 pts · 12d
That's illegal unless you put an identical one next to it with all the books in French.
PlaidBaron@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 12d
En fait, la plaque que j'ai achetée est écrite en anglais et en français.
ndondo@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 2 pts · 11d
Where did you get the kit from? Thinking of building one myself
PlaidBaron@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 11d
Amazon, unfortunately.
ndondo@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 3 pts · 11d
Oh that is unfortunate. Worth it to have one of those though. Thanks!
isleepinahammock@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 3 pts · 11d
If you're handy, free plans are available online. These things are small enough that they could be made entirely from off-cuts and scrap wood. You can probably find woodworkers in your area that would just give you the necessary material.
isleepinahammock@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 3 pts · 11d
How large can a little library be before it's large enough to qualify as a regular library and requires a zoning permit? What exactly is the dividing line between "little library" and "library"? 😄
CookieOfFortune@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 11d
Awesome! I’m planning on building one soon as well.
redlemace@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 10d
It's been on my mind for a while ... then again, so are many other bigger and smaller projects .... I might this winter.