Virginia Tech-Themed 'Little Free Library' Debuts in McLean Neighborhood

Have you seen the Virginia Tech-themed “Little Free Library” in McLean? The philosophy is “take a book, leave a book.”

The Little Free Library is a way for neighbors to swap books and goodwill, and it’s a practice you can find in communities across the country, including McLean.

“Everyone who sees our library loves the idea and I think it’s important to spread the word regarding these libraries,” said resident Julie White. “In this day and age of electronics, this library brings back a love of reading to all ages.”

You’ll find the Little Free Library outside the White home at 1824 Baldwin Drive in McLean. Anyone can stop by and take a book and/or leave a book.

Why a Virginia Tech theme? “My daughter, who is a sophomore at Virginia Tech, loves reading and discovered other neighborhood free libraries in Falls Church and Arlington,” White said.

As a surprise for her daughter’s 20th birthday, the family ordered the basic library from the Little Free Library and modified it to be Virginia Tech-themed.

“Rachel wanted to promulgate her love of reading to our community and so far it’s been a hit,” says White. “We buy books at library sales and keep a variety of books for adults, kids and teenagers. It’s a great gift to our neighborhood.”

Whites says when she notified her local neighborhood list-serve about it, an author from a nearby community contacted her. “He wanted to gift our library with his newly published book,” White said. “He brought it over and signed a copy for us. That was very cool.”

If you want to start a Little Free Library in your neighborhood, just click on the link to find out more.

PHOTOS: The Virginia Tech-themed Little Free Library, created by the White family in McLean.

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