Since technology has evolved these past years, and the internet has been developed, people rely on the faster way of finding information and results. Hence, encyclopedias and other physical references have been a thing of the past. Even though virtual games have been popular amongst the Millenials that not many kids play outdoor games nowadays. Though some individuals still prefer reading physical books rather than e-books that are downloadable through the internet. According to these citizens, reading physical books gives them satisfaction.
In 2009, Todd Bol from Wisconsin, USA, used old garage panel doors of his home to build a small cabin on his home front for books so people passing by may freely borrow them. He built this to honor the memory of his mother who loves to read.
Gradually, the neighbors did the same and set up their own mini library in front of their homes and selected books that they know people liked. Eventually, the whole neighborhood established a non-profit organization they called “Little Free Library”. They promoted more than 75,000 mini-libraries in 88 countries around the world.
A woman in Idaho, USA, Sharalee Armitage Howard, heard of the movement. Being a librarian and artist, she started to participate in her own way. She cut down a 110-year-old tree in her front yard and transformed it into a mini-library.
“It’s not all done yet, but I can’t wait to share it,” Sharalee said. “I decided to convert this tree into a free little library, which is something I’ve always wanted to do.” Sharalee cut down the rotting half of the tree and made sure that the lower half was sturdy. She hollowed out the inner part, shaped it into a bookshelf, added shelves, a roof, and a door, then added interior and exterior lights.
From the distance, you will notice stone steps that lead to the treehouse library. It looks like a haven for book-lovers since the warm yellow light from inside the mini-library attracts the attention of passers-by.
Enclosed with a green and white-colored door, second-hand books are placed inside, and passers-by are welcome to share their books instead of selling them to trade-in bookstores. Reading enthusiasts are welcome to share their ‘heart-and-soul’ books for other aficionados to read.
Sharalee’s originality in the design of the mini-library can immediately be seen just above the wooden door. 13 mini wooden books are carved lined up in a row just above the door. The names of her favorite classic books are engraved on each one: “Little women,” “The Hobbit,” and “Call of the Wild,” among others.
Under the wooden door, you will notice that there is a logo of the website, Little Free Library, with the slogan Take a Book, Share a Book. It encourages passers-by to resort to reading physical books, browse the website, and communicate with fellow reading enthusiasts.
Neighbors and other passers-by admired Sharalee’s treehouse library and left comments on her social media page: “Oh my God… This is the best free library I’ve ever seen. That’s awesome!”
It is a wonderful idea to build a mini library in a community that encourages people of all ages to read using physical books and share ideas with other enthusiasts. Hopefully, mini treehouse libraries may be built not only in the USA but also anywhere around the world.
Credits to: Boredpanda
