Free Little Library is Big Time Awesome!

So, what is the Little Free Library?

We asked founder Brandi Glaza, designer at the kitchen and bath design business Simonds & Co. in downtown Mystic, to tell us more.

"Our mission is to promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide and to build a sense of community as we share skills, creativity and wisdom across generations," she said.

“I enjoy reading, feel it is important and am all about spreading the good will!  The building of it was a fun activity for my husband and me.  The library is built from materials we had around the house,” she said.

So how does it work?

“Anyone can take a book or leave a book or both,” she said.

The library is registered with Little Free Library, so it will be on their map any day now.  Official Little Free Library Charter Number:  5531. The Little Free Library is located at the corner of High Street and Bindloss Road in Mystic. There are only six in Connecticut as of now, the closest one is in Old Saybrook.

It’s free and open to anyone and everyone.

We asked Brandi how it began. 

“I initially filled the library with books I purchased from the Jonnycake Center in Westerly (I told them I would give them props for the help in selecting different genres and for the great bargains!)  It was like buying a gift for someone you don't know, so help from others with the choosing of books was appreciated.  Since the second week I installed the library it has been self-sufficient.  Every day I see gaps where books were taken or it's overflowing with new books added.  I knew it would get a lot of exposure because of the location-it is on a scenic outdoor activity route in Mystic,” she said.

“It is great to see the activity.  One morning I saw a woman with a coffee and purse walking to the library to exchange books... to know that was her destination for her morning enjoyment made me very happy.  I don't watch it constantly, but when I happen to see someone there it's exciting.”

“We installed the library in an area where people can relax and don't feel like they are being watched. Although they might get a visit from my friendly, nosy dog-which means he is being naughty and went beyond the stonewall!  There are flat stones for benches and there is also plenty of space to pull your car off the road if you aren't on foot or bike.”

So, go grab a book and get to reading.