I saw that news story too. I think it's a great idea but I live in the country along a busy country road now days so probably wouldn't be practical. I have plenty of books to stock a small library,tho. I bet you wouldn't necessarily have to build one alisande. Perhaps an old wooden crate on its side would work? But then you'd need to make it rain-proof. How about an old wooden medicine cabinet? A person could really get creative.

They always have an 'uplifting' closer like that, but this was really charming. I was encouraged to see that the little libraries were respected. I don't think that would happen just everywhere.

When our DIL started teaching junior high (in inner city Chicago), she hunted up books to bring into school. Once the books left the classroom they never came back. It was nice that some kids got books, but she couln't continue to replace them.

We saw this also, DH said we should put one out front, then see how long it is before someone runs over it. People drive like maniacs on our street.

I think bookcrossing.com is a better idea. You can release the books in a public place and keep track of where they go. I have been a member for several years. You can hunt and release both.

I'll have to check that out, Raven. I think I've heard of it.

I live on a dirt road, and I can just see my little library getting encased in dust within a week. Still, it's an appealing idea. I think I'll find an article on it and email it to my cousin Dave, a genius with wood, in the hope that he will come up with the thought on his own to make one for me. :-)

I would be worried about what certain kids might put in those boxes, something gross or worse dangerous like the drano/chemical bombs in water bottles that have been on the news recently, try to remove it and lose an eye, fingers, or worse. I truly wish we did not have to think about that but it is happening. And of course the ones that love bashing our mailboxes will be able to express themselves in one more place.
A real shame because it is a cute idea, I hope some of them are successful.

Here is a link that might be useful: chemical bomb

My niece had a successful liver transplant four years ago. Her mother (my sis) does most of the medical visits and driving to the hospital, where the girl still gets her follow-up care. Sis told me patients' families set up a library room of donated books and magazines. It's quite extensive, and works on the honor system. This is at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester NY.

Those started up right here in Wisconsin, actually by a man who lives in Hudson which is right on the border of Wi and Minnesota. Apparently there's one close to me somewhere, and I did see one once out driving but can't remember where. I think it's a great idea, but I have so much to read (especially now with my Kindle).

I picked up a book once, through bookcrossing, read it, and released it again.

But I mostly leave books I finished and don't want to keep (doesn't happen often) at my doctors office, or the airport...

My stash of books is rather large, and I just can't part with them.

Moni

We have a "Free Library" in our Community Center. Take a book - return a book. Volunteers refill the book cases. Lots of people donate books so there is always new books on the shelves.

How sweet. It wouldn't work around here, but I know it would work elsewhere, especially rural areas or small towns. I've stayed in vacation homes with libraries of paperbacks where you are invited to take one and asked to leave one that you have finished. It's interesting to see the range of material.

I can walk to my local library, so that works for me! Another great source of free books is paperbackswap.com. You list the books you have and want to swap, and then someone will ask for it. You send it and get a credit for a book that you would like to read that someone else has offered. It isn't fast but it is fun. I think they do cd's and dvd's now too.

Here is a link that might be useful: paperback swap

Our little local post office has a set up like that, on a rack on a counter in the lobby. People leave new magazines and paperback books there and you can help yourself. It's a lovely service, since the real library is another 8-10 miles away.

Our regular library has an honor system for most paperbacks, too. That's great because there is no time-limit on them.

I would love to come across something like you described, Alisande. It sounds very charming!