In my own neighborhood, there are more and more “free libraries” cropping up. I think it’s a fantastic idea—people take and leave books in a mailbox or similar structure right on the street. The idea is that you take one of these free books, read it, then return it to the box while leaving a couple of your own used books.
The free libraries in my neighborhood are all painted boxes of some kind, but this brilliant woman transformed a 110-year-old tree on her front lawn into a stunning free library.
Sharalee Armitage Howard is a librarian, artist, and former bookbinder from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Instead of digging up and destroying a dead 110-year-old cotton tree stump in her front yard, she had the brilliant idea to convert it into a free tree library.
The stump was hollowed from the inside, given a roof, and illuminated with an endearingly comfortable interior. This is unquestionably the most charming free library I’ve ever seen; have a peek for yourself!
Congratulations to Sharalee for establishing this creative free library on her property, as well as to everyone else who is involved in the free library movement. Click here to learn more about Little Free Libraries, how to get involved, and whether there are any in your region.