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considering the location, it is important to be mindful of anything that may prematurely deteriorate your library. For example, it should not be in the line of sprinkler spray. And you will want to be sure that you are not causing a traffic hazard by limiting visibility at an intersection. Finally, consider whether an already existing “reading area,” like a park bench, might benefit from this addition nearby and factor in whether good lighting is already in existence to increase the chance of it being used at night and to deter vandals.


The next question is how the association will get it constructed. Perhaps the simplest way is to get a volunteer to build it. Unlike a real house, there are not the same concerns about structural collapse. And, if the roof leaks, it does not ruin a new sofa, it is just damage to a few used books. As long as there are no safety concerns, like protruding nails or sharp corners, the handiwork of a weekend warrior should suffice. Although, you may want to insist that plexiglass acrylic, rather than normal glass, be used. Finding your builder may be as simple as advertising a request for help in the next newsletter. Who knows, there may be an Eagle Scout in the community looking for his next project. Blueprints are available for free at www.littlefreelibrary.org.


Keep in mind, while a little house is very cute, your library does not need to be adorable to get some use. You can make it as simple as a bookshelf or an old piece of luggage in a sheltered area or even an oversized mailbox. As long as it is not an eyesore and people know why it has been put there, you can expect that it will be welcome. Even without volunteers, a library can be started on a very small budget.


If you want something beautiful, consider asking for a one-time donation from a member. Imagine a small memorial or honorarium plaque installed on the side of


the box on behalf of the donor. It would be a wonderful gesture to honor a loved one. When setting the amount of the donation, consider that there will be minimal costs in the future for maintenance, like painting. Suitable little libraries can be purchased online.


Now that you have your little library built, how do you get people to use it? Well, if you have chosen your location well, it should advertise itself. But, promoting it in the association’s newsletter, email or account statements would be helpful. And, of course, get the ball rolling by placing a few interesting books on the shelves. You can even invite the members to a “grand opening.”


To keep it going, you may want to solicit a volunteer to monitor the books, just to make sure that an unpopular book is not on the shelves, preventing more popular books from being donated. Less popular books can be donated to organizations, like Goodwill, that have more shelf space. Of course, the monitor can also look to see if there are other issues, like a teenage group amusing themselves by leaving behind pornography. Ideally, the library can include books for all kinds of readers, including picture books for toddlers and large print books for those with well-used eyes.


Change really can start with just one passionate person and a world movement can spread one neighborhood at a time. In 2016, the founders of Little Free Library


Libraries don’t work for everyone because of location, hours and penalties. HOAs are in a position to easily make books available locally.


announced that they had registered library number 50,000. It was donated to a homeless shelter in Santa Ana. While your little library does not have to be part of a formal registration process, it can be part of a world movement to provide greater access to books.


This article was written and submitted by Denise Iger, Esq. of Iger Wankel & Bonkowski, LLP.


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