I Brake For Libraries
 

One of the things I like while out riding alone is seeing the variety of small roadside Libraries that folks put out in front of their houses.
Stopping and taking a look, you may get an idea of what the "Librarian's" interests, personality or lifestyle are.
I'll occasionally take a book that piques my interest or curiosity.
Some turn out to be real gems.
I need to remember to pack a book donation in the handlebar bag next time I go out.

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Libraries are evidence there's good people nearby.
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Nothing useful to add but I came to say that I can respect this post, as one who has many roadside libraries around their location.

My gf has to stop at all of these. Sometimes they are wonderful!

Awesome!!..We have some nice ones here in my neighbourhood in Albuquerque. My wife bought some children's book @ a thrift store to donate and I need to go thru my "how to" woodworking books to donate..Love this idea...John

My wife is quite irked with me that I have spent so much time working on bicycles and not helping her finish her LFL and install it out in front of the house.

I think if I don't finally help her with it this fall when the weather gets nice again that I may unexpectedly disappear from BikeForums, and no grand jury would return an indictment. :)

Great topic Matt. I see these around my neighborhood but never thought to stop while cycling. I read a lot and frequent used book stores. There is an open air book store in Ojai under old growth Oak trees that would be a perfect cycling stop. They have a free lending library out front. I have gotten / traded real gems there. Cycling is great for the body (and mind) , reading is push ups for the brain. Use it or lose it!

It’s one of the few completely altruistic community things that make it pleasant place. When I was in Asheville the BnB I stayed in had no fewer than twenty in the vicinity that I happened upon during my walks and hilly neighborhood rides.

I don’t think I have seen that many in my entire years in the Charleston area.

That says a lot.

PS: I cannot remember where I saw the picture (perhaps FB?), of a town in Europe that not only had little libraries but had little bike stops with donated parts and pumps in case.

Basically need a part, give a part.

A friend of mine has a tiny art gallery in front of his house. Same idea. He’s indifferent if people leave stuff since he does it for his own amusement.

All the more reason to strap a nice sized bag onto your bike; you never know when there's a book you might need to borrow.

I would have stayed to look inside, but there were five other people with me wanting to go. I need to go back on my own to see if it actually is bigger on the inside.


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Well if you're a doctor who fan, you know the right answer to that question, :)

Nice library. Thanks Korina
Yea, that's why I've found they're best enjoyed while riding solo.
Or maybe I need to find some riding friends who are more prone to Futzing around.
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My town is entirely too walkable, so I find the little libraries on foot.

The Tardis was on a rural road with houses on one side and forest and pastures on the other.

Look at this globe! My friend (pictured with head inside globe) told me she knew the guy who made it to be quite the joinery hobbyist, and has it on good authority that the whole thing is made from carefully mitered pieces of plywood. I cannot imagine the amount of woodworking that went into it, if the story is true. A look inside revealed perfect miters with no gaps all around. Covid project?

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Or to do the reverse. I deposited 3 the other day in 2 Libraries ;-)

Does your friend live on Glisan right by the Gates of Laurelhurst?

We walk the dogs past that daily and the shocking thing, it changes daily which must take a lot of creativity to pull off.

Its much appreciated.

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Glad you have dog libraries up there as well. Here's this one on the south side of Mt Tabor in Portland, OR

Said friend lives in Troutdale. Not a bustling art scene so I guess that makes him the top dog out there.

We love our local ones. Before I retired I used to bring two different magazines to the office for patients to read: Mad Magazine and The Atlantic. Surprisingly people asked if they could take them home. I said of course. The guys loved Mad and the guffaws they got were great. Right on cue their wives would roll their eyes and groan. So if you have subscriptions to those drop them in. Atlantic and The Economist and a few others are pretty pricey. People will appreciate them.

On a similar note, riding through Vermont today; farmland along Lake Champlain, passed several honor system stands for eggs, milk, and soap. Leave money in the box.

I also brake for libraries but the brick and mortar kind as my wife works in a public library and likes to see the local facilities when we travel. I take pics for her on my bike trips:

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Ah yes, the ol’ “honey, I just go on these bike trips to find stuff that you’re interested in” gambit. I use it often.

Nah, it's all in your head. You can trust me on that!

Nah, I'm pretty sure it's on a fence post.

Unless the fence post is in my head... whoa! 🤯

i don't brake for libraries (because books are stupid) but i like the idea and where you're going with this.

It's very wholesome - which makes me feel uncomfortable yet interested at the same time.

I think i'd rather brake for a roadside fruit stand, or maybe an iced cream shop.

Maybe a take one/leave one candy stand could be nice. I could leave someone all the Good & Plenty / black licorice that piles up around here after halloween. Some sick person would like that I bet.