Little Free Libraries
by neighbor Nancy Karigaca
Maxwell Park has a long history of Little Free Libraries. Years ago, a neighbor brought a little library to the Park during Maxwell Park's annual Day in the Park. He asked if Friends of Maxwell Park wanted it. We agreed, and he set it up soon afterwards. The neighbor thought it would mostly take care of itself, but it soon became clear that regular stocking, arranging and repairing of the library needed to be done. The structure would need to be extremely sturdy to have a chance of surviving.
Eventually neighbor Muigai Karigaca built both an adult and a children’s library out of strong outdoor materials. He and two other neighbors spent some frustrating times repairing intentional damage that went on for a few years. Recent times have been nicer to the libraries.
Currently, Nancy Karigaca leads a team of volunteers who arrange and stock the libraries weekly and go regularly to the East Bay Children’s Book Project to gather more books. This group includes Jane Friedman, Midge Estep, Barbara Hartford, JoAnn Yoshioka, Margo Iserson, Catalina Cariaga Nakamura, Kathy Burns, and Laurie Umeh.
Plus, many neighbors bring books to augment the supplies, which really helps. Donated books are very welcome, yet please ensure books are in good condition (or carefully repaired), and clean. In the children’s library, chapter books go on the top shelf, and picture and board books go on the bottom. If the shelves are full, books can be left in a container next to the libraries, but only if there’s no chance of rain. Be sure any book you put in actually fits, so the door closes completely.
It has been fun to see other different and creative libraries spring up throughout the neighborhood. The creators of these libraries can also benefit from the East Bay Children’s Book Project, since the project serves all teachers and librarians in the area, and counts people with Little Free Libraries as librarians. It is great being part of a sharing community that advances literacy and enjoyment of reading!
Resources:
Oversize and large quantities of used books can be donated to the Friends of the Oakland Public Library’s Bookmark Bookstore, 933 Broadway, to support the OPL.
The Little Free Library organization promotes LFL’s and global literacy.
