Little Free Library -- Share Books You Love

Strolling through springtime Pasadena neighborhoods -- the weather called to be outside and walking -- we came across this lovely, decorated birdhouse-like box full of books. Yes. Books. Lovely, many-genred and free for the taking. These festive bookhouses are known as Little Free Libraries, and -- now, that I'm paying attention -- I see them popping up everywhere. The community-based "take a book, return a book" program is so easy and fun -- folks put out decorated bookhouses that serve as lending libraries for the area. Anyone can stop by and pick up a book or bring one to share. Coolest thing ever!

The selection varies day to day. I saw richly illustrated Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on the same shelf as Sapphire's Push, Carrie Ryan's The Forest of Hands and Teeth and M.M Kaye's The Far Pavilions.

 Somebody thoughtfully placed this colorful bench next to our neighborhood bookhouse.

You can order your own Little Free Library or read about the movement here.