Libraries are an essential part of our communities, wonderful for all the access they give people in terms of knowledge, support, and resources. But the thing is…if you’re a book lover – like me! – you know there is nothing quite like owning a book. Being able to pick it up at your leisure, read it on a whim, and even smell it anytime you want (am I the only one who does this?!?) can sometimes make all the difference in the book-loving experience.
That said, with paper shortages and rising costs, buying books can get expensive. FAST!
One way to offset some of the pains of purchasing all new books is to share old ones at the many swap spots around town. More formally these are called Little Free Libraries…and they are exquisite!
If you’re not familiar with them, many of these cute house-shaped boxes can be found in front of schools, tucked away in parks, or even next to residential curbs (as is the case with ours). Some are vivid and easy to spot, while others are almost hidden among their surroundings. But ALL of them are veritable gems, teaming with beautiful books just waiting to find their rightful new owners!
Akin to the “take a penny, leave a penny” jar at restaurant counters, these “libraries” – or LFLs, if you’re in-the-know – require nothing more than a love of reading and a desire to spread joy to participate. All you have to do is drop off a book you no longer need, leave it in one of these hubs for someone else to find, and take something new (to you) for your troubles. Win win!
Don’t know where to find one?? The official Little Free Library site makes it easy with their interactive map (https://littlefreelibrary.org/map/). Type in your address or zip code and it will direct you to libraries in your area. They even have a mobile app with the map feature for when you’re out and about! Of course, there are also some “rogue” libraries that are not on the official registry. Finding one of those is like finding a forgotten Easter egg at the end of a hunt – exciting! But any LFL is a good one, so hunt away…
As for my fellow Spring Branch/Memorial residents, here is a consolidated list of all the Little Free Libraries in our area. For all other parts of town, though, please check the app and do your own hunt for rogue libraries. And, who knows, in the process you may find your new favorite book!
Spring Branch/Memorial Little Free Libraries
77024
12535 Boheme Drive
935 Echo Lane/Memorial High School
701 Hallie Drive
1 Hunter’s Creek Place
12214 Memorial Drive/Frostwood Elementary School
13030 Memorial Drive
77043
10414 Barwood Drive
10443 Emnora Lane
1714 Prism Lane
2255 Shadowdale Drive/Spring Oaks Middle School
10333 Shadow Oaks Drive
10319 Shadow Wood Drive
2735 Stetson Lane
10300 Timberoak/Nob Hill Park
1750 Townhurst
77055
1382 Bullock Lane
1618 Hillendahl Boulevard
8440 Merlin Drive
7502 Shadyvilla Lane
77079
744 Brittmoore Road
403 Electra Drive
719 Electra Drive
13519 Myrtlea Drive
13238 Trail Hollow Drive
77080
2801 Blalock Road/Buffalo Creek Elementary School
4010 Galway Lane
8575 Pitner Road
2698 Pomeran Drive
17 Rollingwood Drive
9726 Truscon Drive
3715 Valleyfield
