I built this little free library using some reclaimed old redwood, some new redwood, hammered glass, and an old oak stump. For years I resisted the idea of installing a little free library. This was mostly due to my curmudgeonly nature. I don’t want a bunch of people hanging around the front step, I’d grumble. I spend all day taking care of libraries. I don’t need another one to take care of, bah!

Eventually, my better angels prevailed. Little free libraries are just a beautiful thing in concept. They can be so delightfully esoteric in reality, made from (and filled with) all manner of random stuff. They live in the garden, like gnomes and caterpillars do. Plus, Michele really wanted me to make one. How could I resist? I drew up a few ideas, then worked on the little library box here and there over several weeks. I had some old redwood scraps from other projects laying around. The hammered glass was left over from a stained glass window project.The old oak stump made a fitting stand.

I finished the project right before the pandemic shelter-in-place orders came down. Many books and seeds and yarn and other odds and ends passed through this little library in those first unusual weeks, then months, and ever since. I enjoyed creating it (Michele was right!), and the joy it brings the neighborhood warms even this old curmudgeon’s heart.