Little Free Libraries popping up all over Springfield.
I became familiar with the movement in 2015, when I went for a stroll in my neighborhood and walked past Kara Daniel’s house, 834 S. Mission Circle.
At first, it looked like there was a giant birdhouse outside her home, but I noticed books inside so I went over to investigate. The sign said Little Free Library, and offered for me to take a book, or leave a book. I was delighted. How neighborly. I borrowed Dora the Explorer for my 2-year-old, and went home and googled Little Free Library (LFL).
LFL started in 2009 in Wisconsin when Todd Bol built a one-room schoolhouse in his yard in honor of his mother, a teacher, and stocked it with books. The neighbors loved it, and soon he teamed up with someone from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and they decided to form a nonprofit and spread a network of free libraries around the world.
There are 26 registered LFL in Springfield.
“I would venture to guess there are more libraries in the community that are not registered because the of the cost,” says Daniel.
People who start these libraries do so at their own expense. There’s the cost of building the structure, and then another $40 to register it with the LFL network to secure a spot on the global map and receive a charter sign.
For most people who erect these libraries, the goal is to share or foster a love of reading, but it also builds a sense of community. Neighbors often rally around the library and donate books.
Daniel has come home to find boxes of books on her doorstep. When she receives a large donation, Daniel “spreads the love” with other library owners. A Facebook group connects this network of LFL owners, who post when they need books or have a plethora.
Springfield’s first LFL was registered in November 2012, at 1616 S. Fremont, thanks to Holly Graves. Graves read an article about LFL on the internet and shared it with her husband, who didn’t seem interested. A few weeks later, he went to the basement and built one for his wife as a surprise.
In autumn 2016, Amanda Stadler started one at 1886 N. Robberson, in the Woodland Heights neighborhood.
“They are so cool. I love reading and have a whole lot of books I loved and wanted to pass on to good homes. I like the idea of engaging with my neighborhood more. Since we are by the park, people who don’t live in the neighborhood use it,” she says.
Stadler can count on a steady supply of donations to stock her library from people who use it or see it.
When Daniel outgrew her first library, her dad built another – double the size.
“We donated our library to the Child Development Center so they can get a library going there. They haven’t got it set up but it’s in the works,” Daniel says.
Her daughter Natalee stamps the books with a stamp that reads: “Natalee’s Little Free Library, Always a Gift — Never for Sale.” This also prevents people from taking the books and reselling them.
Natalee’s Girl Scount Troop is trying to establish four more libraries in the community.
“Two won’t be registered. One at the Girl Scout Council office, another they are looking at a nursing home; they hope to do one in Hickory Hills district, and Hickory Hills school,” Daniel says.
Recently, something else wonderful has bubbled up from this movement: a Little Free Pantry, which applies the LFL concept as a way to address food insecurity.
Nikolai Montoya launched Springfield’s first Little Free Pantry in January, at 2921 E. Bennett St. Initially she was on Pinterest looking at Little Free Libraries and then Little Free Pantries appeared.
Montoya lives across from Pittman Elementary, which is where her 8-year-old son goes to school.
“Last year I volunteered a whole bunch at the school and found out about the backpack program. There are quite a few families that use it and my son has a few friends that utilize the program as well. It was heavily laid on my heart to do this specifically for the school. It’s open to anyone and everyone, but my main target is the families at Pittman,” Montoya says.
She contacted Robert Whittaker, who has a LFL on Cherry Street, to inquire what it would take to build one, and he immediately launched a Go Fund Me page to raise money for the supplies to construct the pantry for Montoya.
KY3 aired a story and donations came pouring in (although Montoya refers to them as “blessings to the pantry,” not donations. A dental office brought an entire box of toothbrushes; a couple drove to Strafford to bring items in; some people made gloves and hats for the box.
“Tons of people have given food, canned items, bread, boxed good, cereal, hygiene products, baby wipes, shampoo, there have been quite a few people who have brought over snacks in individual bags,” she says.
And it goes fast, especially hygiene items and breakfast foods. Montoya restocks twice a day.
The pantry is strategically placed in front of a big tree in her yard so people can use it discreetly.
“I wanted it to be a private thing. I wanted to minimize embarrassment for dignity purposes. I have used food pantries myself in the past and it’s not a comfortable feeling to admit you don’t have what you need for yourself or your kids,” she says.
What has surprised her is people aren’t just dropping off their old food, they are going shopping for her pantry.
“It has been really, really touching to see Springfield come together as a community and want to help. That has been the coolest thing. It has been a huge, huge blessing. My bigger vision is to see them all over Springfield, like we do the Little Free Libraries,” Montoya says.
Given the success of Little Free Libraries, and the giving spirit of this community, Montoya’s vision will likely come to fruition.
Want to know more?
You can learn more about the Little Free Library at littlefreelibrary.org.
Kara Daniel is willing to speak to different organizations who want to learn more or may be interested in starting their own. If you are interested, email her at karadaniel@yahoo.com
To learn more about the Little Free Pantry: littlefreepantry.org.
If you would like to help stock the Little Free Pantry, Montoya said they are always in need of hygiene items; canned meats; and breakfast foods such as oatmeal, cereal bars, and granola – portable and easy for children to grab on their way to school. Drop items at 2921 E. Bennett St.