Little Free Libraries Encourage Reading

Summer provides a needed break from school.  Kids get to relax, hang out with friends and go on vacations.  Unfortunately, brain drain is a real concern. 

Research shows students can lose between two to three months of reading and math skills during summer.  So, what can parents do?  There are a host of options, but in this post we're going to focus on just one - the Little Free Library.

How Little Free Library Works

Little Free Library promotes reading and community by encouraging people to share books with their neighbors.  The concept is simple: build a library, stock it with books and wait for visitors.  With any luck, patrons will leave a book to replace the one they’ve borrowed.  

 Summer Project, Lifetime of Learning

This is a great way to encourage your kids to read.  Libraries can be made in all shapes and sizes.  Some resemble houses, while others look like robots or roosters. Building a library will help stimulate your child's imagination and get them excited about reading.  This project also provides valuable time together for both parent and child.  You'll also get to talk about valuable math concepts like fractions and angles while you’re cutting boards for your library.

Getting Started

Little Free Library offers instructions on its website.  You'll want to figure out the design and what kind of books to place inside your library.  A lot of people stick with a theme like stocking only mysteries or poetry.  In this case, you could fill your library with children's books.  Finally, you need to pick a location. A majority of people put their library at the end of their driveway or near a mailbox.  You'll want to choose a spot that is easily accessible and away from traffic.  When you’re finished be sure to let your friends and neighbors know!

Once you've built your library, make sure to register it with Little Free Library. The organization has a map on its website that shows all the registered locations.  You and your child can have little adventures visiting the different sites nearby.  Creating a Little Free Library is a fun summer project that will yield years of benefits for your family.

Note from Patch: Email to make sure these are still operating, and check the map link for even more locations!

LISTING FOR CAMPBELL:

Campbell: Last Updated by R on Feb 6 1127 E. Campbell Ave.

Campbell, CA 95008

Carmencita Valerio, Steward #4216
valerioce1@gmail.com

Location: Front yard

#####################

LISTING FOR MOUNTAIN VIEW:

Photo Credit: Michael R. Perry via Flickr