Free Little Whats?

I’ve written about free little libraries and free little art galleries, and now I’ve noticed the idea is growing. Probably to the consternation of one of Chicago’s Alderman who introduced an ordinance last summer to regulate them. Alderman Raymond Lopez thinks the little libraries should be subject to permits and should be run only by authorized nonprofit groups. “These bookcases have been popping up all throughout the city completely unregulated,” he complained to Block Club Chicago. A Chicago Tribune editorial on the ridiculousness of the proposed ordinance mentioned another take on the free little libraries – Spencer’s Garage where people can take or leave toy cars rather than books.

At the beginning of the pandemic, some little libraries started requesting food items rather than books, and I noticed recently that one in our neighborhood has been permanently converted into a little food pantry.

I haven’t seen one in person yet, but I saw on Instagram that there are now also Little Free Puzzle Libraries.

They don’t just have an Instagram presence. They have their own website that includes a map of locations.

There seems to be only one in Illinois so far, but I bet it won’t be long until I see one in person. Well, as long as the proposed ordinance, which was sent back to committee last October, doesn’t come back up for a vote and pass.