Letter: Please return my 'not so free' Free Library

EastBayRI.com ·

To the editor:

Okay, so maybe I only have myself to blame. I did label it “Free Library” but I never thought that anyone would take that so literally! I guess I should have put a different label on it perhaps “Mini Library” or “Free Books” or “No, the Library Itself Isn’t Free But the Books Are.” 

Let me start from the beginning. Have you seen the adorable little libraries around town? They look like giant bird houses only with a glass door that opens to shelves containing books. These books are for the taking, reading, returning and exchanging. There is an actual website for the little libraries, www.littlefreelibrary.org where you can not only buy one of these cute little libraries, but you can register it on line so that other readers can find and exchange books. 

We live on a busy road and I thought after seeing one of these libraries that our house would be the perfect location for one! In my enthusiasm for this whole concept I decided instead of buying one I’ll build my own. Throughout the summer and fall I worked with the help of my son, an experienced woodworker, to create my own little unique library. 

I found an old book shelf and turned it into a tiny house where books could live. I shingled it, made a back for it, found an old window to use as the door, picked out the perfect knob, painted it a wonderful red color and I even made a table for it to be mounted on so that it would be at the perfect height for adults and children to grab a book. I loved my library that I created. 

No it was not perfect. It had many flaws, most importantly it’s name, “Free Library,” which I carefully painted on the front in large letters.

Sunday night, my husband and I finally hauled my tiny yet unexpectedly heavy little library out to the sidewalk in front of our house. I was so proud and excited about my contribution to our community. Who doesn’t enjoy a free book? I took pictures of it and posted it on Instagram. I bragged to my family about it. I was a wood-working, book-loving star. 

Then it happened. 

I got up Monday morning to leave for work and as I slowly eased out onto Rumstick road to peak over at my adorable creation and again marvel at my efforts. I saw that it was gone! Gone! Gone! Did I mention that it was gone? The entire thing not just the books, but the library and the table it was resting on!

Of course my first reaction was to freak out. I called my husband, “it’s gone, it’s gone, my library is gone.” I made my kids late for school and myself late for work. Gone! Who would do something like this? 

I was shocked and disheartened, but then it occurred to me … someone thought it was free. After all, I did paint a label on the top that said “Free Library.” So there you have it. I am to blame. I should have been more clear. Lessoned learned. Shame on me.

If by any chance you are reading this and you are the person who innocently misunderstood my labeling of my “Free Library” I would really appreciate it if you would return it. If you are not reading this then I hope you are at least curled up on a comfortable sofa in front of a fire enjoying one of the books. 

Tina Sheff

Barrington