We’re huge fans of Little Free Libraries at Book Riot—tiny, streetside boxes where people can “take a book, leave a book.” They can be in front of houses or schools, or inside parks or other public places.
During a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, sometimes small things like Little Free Libraries can be forgotten amid the panic and mayhem. But the LFL community, owners, and patrons have identified an incredible way to give back to their neighbors and communities during uncertain times by turning their normal book-trading depots into small food pantries.
Jessica McClard was ahead of the trend, starting her own pantry in her home state of Arkansas in 2016. “I really hoped that the Little Free Library concept was familiar enough with folks that people would know what to do with it,” McClard told CNN. “[I hoped] it would be something that would get duplicated rather quickly. And that’s what happened.”
Now, with COVID-19 causing grocery items, cleaning supplies, and toilet paper shortages, some people are looking to give out rather than hoard.
Seen in my Chicago neighborhood.
Sign says “To help our neighbors affected by the COVID-19 crisis, this Little Free Library is converted to a Little Free Pantry. Take what you need and if you can, please donate what you can spare!” pic.twitter.com/HtrUHNv9BG
— Ashley Hamer (@smashleyhamer) March 18, 2020
View this post on InstagramIn uncertain times, #LittleFreeLibrary stewards are wowing us with their creativity and generosity! From sharing household necessities (toilet paper!) to just sharing a little humor, click our bio link to see how stewards are adapting their #littlelibraries to accommodate #quarantinelife.
Small pantries are not entirely new—Little Free Pantries have been popping up since 2016. But the book community has now joined in to spread the kindness.
Even Little Free Library’s executive director Greig Metzger is excited by the converted libraries and offers up helpful tips for converting the book boxes to pantries or ways to help communities if you don’t have an LFL in your neighborhood.
“Are there ways you can use your Little Free Library not only as a distribution point, but as a collection point?” Metzger wrote in a blog post on March 19. “Food shelves everywhere are facing increased demand. […] Perhaps use your Little Free Library to host a food drive to help that local food shelf.”
My family has some spare toilet paper so we decided to share some in the Little Free Pantry outside my work. I figured it was something small I could do. I hope it helped someone. #dogood #ToiletPaperApocalypse pic.twitter.com/kEonbzQwtH
— Caffeinated Fae 📖 – Book Blogger (@CaffeinatedFae) March 13, 2020
One lovely library has set up help lines for those who can give and those who need to place requests and offer services, in addition to stocking their library with regular items. A notebook with requests is inside, and the owner offers mailbox numbers and ways to get in contact if either of the cards applies to patrons.
Great idea! You are more than welcome to, and if you do, please send me a link.
Also, one of our local #VictoriaBC #LittleFreeLibrary is being used to connect people who need help with those who can offer help!
I hope you are doing well.@VicPlacemaking pic.twitter.com/xAzZqJvNuX
— Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff (@TealePB) March 25, 2020
Some owners are getting even more creative in how to keep themselves and neighbors safe while sharing kindness and creativity. Rather than closing their Little Free Library entirely, one owner decided to keep sharing books—safely.
The Georgia-based Little Free Library is passing out books that have been sanitized and carefully wrapped, along with some games and certificates for local restaurants to support their community.
View this post on InstagramFive years ago, when I was the new sponsorship director for the local elementary school foundation, I cold-called Dave Cappotto with Siracusa’s Pizza. He immediately offered to support the school and over those five years has donated thousands of dollars in product (delicious pizza 🍕) to the school to help fuel fundraising efforts. Local friends: Siracusa’s is open for take out and delivery, if you’re looking to get food from community restaurants. Enjoy this gift certificate for $25, a@d don’t forget to tip! … #siracusaspizzasmyrna @nesbraves #backthejack @riverviewlanding @eddyrvl #riverviewlanding #eddyrvl #littlefreelibrary #bookstagram #riverviewlife #readingbytheriver #iheartsmyrna #freelibrary #takeabookleaveabook @kristenramseyart
One Little Free Library turned into a billboard for social distancing, encouraging patrons to learn a new craft and stay isolated to prevent spreading the virus.
View this post on InstagramLOVE this steward story! “By chance, when COVID-19 was really gearing up in my area, a freak wind storm blew the door off my library. I had to close. A week later I walked by to find it full of wool and knitting needles with signs saying ‘Take me and social distance like a champ.'” – Zoe J. #LittleFreeLibrary #littlefreelibrariesofinstagram #socialdistance #quarantinelife
The sign reads: “Take me and social distance like a champ.” Knitting is the perfect pastime, and this library owner agrees.
No matter what the libraries are stocked with, the “take one, leave one” motto of Little Free Library is pushing giving back to the community to a whole new level.
Source : Little Free Libraries Turning Into Little Free Pantries Amid COVID-19
