Sighted in the streets of Cambridge, MA – the “Little Free Library:”
– E
4 thoughts on “For all your emergency pedestrian reading needs”
Yay, Little Free Libraries! They’ve caused some discussion in Libraryland (too many people already associate libraries with free, eg). I do like them, though, and I’m glad they’re spreading.
Intriguing! I saw this simply as a “let’s share [knowledge/excitement/refreshment/unreadable political texts] within our community!” thing, but I can see how it could also build up confusing connotations around “library.”
I think that’s a very valid way to look at them. It’s unfortunate that they’ve been caught up in an ongoing discussion/debate about how to educate patrons and non-patrons (ie, people who don’t use the library) about the ways public libraries are funded. The actual LFL movement is great. And actually, one of the libraries I work at has been the big force in adding them to the local community, so it really depends on the particular library system and attitude, I suspect.
“so it really depends on the particular library system and attitude”
That’s reassuring to hear; I hope they become less contentious as the dialogue is worked out. Thanks for the insider perspective, Maureen!
Yay, Little Free Libraries! They’ve caused some discussion in Libraryland (too many people already associate libraries with free, eg). I do like them, though, and I’m glad they’re spreading.
Intriguing! I saw this simply as a “let’s share [knowledge/excitement/refreshment/unreadable political texts] within our community!” thing, but I can see how it could also build up confusing connotations around “library.”
I think that’s a very valid way to look at them. It’s unfortunate that they’ve been caught up in an ongoing discussion/debate about how to educate patrons and non-patrons (ie, people who don’t use the library) about the ways public libraries are funded. The actual LFL movement is great. And actually, one of the libraries I work at has been the big force in adding them to the local community, so it really depends on the particular library system and attitude, I suspect.
“so it really depends on the particular library system and attitude”
That’s reassuring to hear; I hope they become less contentious as the dialogue is worked out. Thanks for the insider perspective, Maureen!