The story of our home in Wisconsin, and its identical twin next door, is that they were built in 1937 by a father for his two daughters.
Both homes feature the classic “cat slide” roofline and arched doorway exteriors of Tudor cottages. Much of the original woodwork and plasterwork, complete with three detailed arches, built-in arched dining room cabinets, and arched coves above the bathtubs remain inside.
I am a life-long book lover, chronic collector of all things literary, and youth librarian, so I knew when we bought this storybook cottage it was the perfect place for a Little Free Library. The charm of the exterior that had me fall in love at first sight (particularly that Hobbit-y doorway) made me want to build a matching library to share stories.
In early 2020, my father-in-law and husband, both talented woodworkers, brought my original design to life and helped me build my library. I hand painted it myself and my husband installed it in July of 2020. It is aptly named “The Twin Tudor Little Free Library” for the pair of matching homes it stands in front of.
Since then, thousands of books for all ages across all genres have passed through, mainly curated by me as a “little free librarian” (although they are officially called “stewards”).
My LFL has a big local following, and I hold many special events and feature books and fun bookish things shared in it (this is NOT an expectation of anyone building an LFL, simply what I chose and love to do. Here is its Facebook page if you’d like to follow along: facebook.com/thetwintudor.
WHAT ARE LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES?
My Little Free Library is just one of 100,000+ now found all over the world! This free book-sharing box movement was started in Wisconsin in 2009 by the son of a teacher who wanted to memorialize his mother’s love for books. “Stewards” of LFLs can choose to register their library and receive an official charter number from the organization which allows the library to be included on the LFL map.
How do Little Free Libraries work?
Little Free Libraries have only one rule, the books inside are always FREE! While it’s never required to add a book, LFLs do work best when there is give as well as take in the community. Some LFLs depend more on the community to thrive, while others are curated by their steward. No matter the method, the goals remain the same: sharing a love for literacy while providing access to free books!
How do I find Little Free Libraries?
The best way to find LFLs near you is by using the FREE official phone app or their website map at littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap. Not every LFL is on the map, whether it is included or not is up to each individual steward, so sometimes the magic of discovering one happens with a little neighborhood exploration!
LITTLE FREE LIBRARY ETIQUETTE
DO straighten bookshelves, messy bookshelves are less likely to have books taken.DO remove moldy, severely damaged, or books with torn covers.
DON’T over stuff an LFL. Overfilled shelves make books difficult to browse and access.
DON’T Add books that would be better off simply recycled. You can help change that stigma by adding great books in good condition.
To see more visit D’Lacey Eichinger @dlacey.e on Instagram.
