• redlemace
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    2 days ago

    It’s been on my mind for a while … then again, so are many other bigger and smaller projects … I might this winter.

  • njm1314
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    3 days ago

    Not even remotely dull. Genuinely awesome.

  • Ey ich frag doch nur
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    3 days ago

    Nice! Maybe write “free little library” or “books” or something on it. I’d believe it’s for birds or weather measurement lol

    • PlaidBaronOP
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      3 days ago

      There are a few around town and Ive got a little plaque on order from the free little library association so it should all be good!

  • mesa@piefed.social
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    3 days ago

    Did you use a kit or did you make it yourself? Looks fantastic!

    I have been thinking of getting one but im not sure I have the kind of time to build one for a while.

    • PlaidBaronOP
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      3 days ago

      I used a kit. With the price of lumber being what it is and my time being limited, it made the most sense.

      I got one from a company called Keruyunla. Some Chinese company I believe.

      Definitely had to make some minor adjustments but it was easy enough to build!

  • Swaus01@piefed.social
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    3 days ago

    I like to joke that they indicate you’re entering a really posh neighbourhood. But they’re by no means a bad thing. Maybe i should make the jump and be the first household on my street to install one

    • PlaidBaronOP
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      3 days ago

      Thats really interesting actually, because around here theyre kinda known as a network for people with limited funds. Often theyre combined with mini foodbanks.

      Sort of a grassroots thing.

      • Swaus01@piefed.social
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        2 days ago

        Probably because of

        • higher urbanisation rather than suburbanisation in UK compared to USA (i’m assuming you’re USA).
        • Maybe more libraries exist already here and are easier to reach because of above point.
        • And i presume the nature + location of the “more middle class” streets puts them less at risk of vandalism
        • Middle class people have the most time to spare to make one
        • Possibly planning application is required

        Even in rural places, it’s usually a fancier house that puts one up on their plot. I’d say that could be because it’s more visible and they’re the people with permission from planning authorities for it.

        • PlaidBaronOP
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          2 days ago

          Im Canadian but where I am communities are very mixed. That is in no way necessarily the norm im Canada, but you will see very expensive houses right next to a smaller low income household where I live.

          I live in NS which is generally a very community oriented province. Lots of local initiatives.

          Definitely no permit needed here to put up something like this! That would be very unpopular here.

  • Glowstick
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    3 days ago

    Another cool thing is libraries don’t have to be just for books! Like I’ve seen toy libraries for little kids toys, they age through them so quickly

    • PlaidBaronOP
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      3 days ago

      There’s one around here that just stocks fabrics for people to use to sew things.

  • eatCasserole
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    3 days ago

    This looks fantastic and not nearly dull enough, but I have a silly and possibly dull gripe with the name “little free library”, and this isn’t directed at OP or anyone in particular, I know this is just what these things are typically called, but… you know that the big library is also free, right?

    • bluGill@fedia.io
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      3 days ago

      Not all libraries are free. There are private libraries that you have to buy a membership get in. University libraries often are technically student\staff only though they don’t check that so anyone can walk in. My local schools have a library that i can’t use.

  • isleepinahammock@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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    3 days ago

    How large can a little library be before it’s large enough to qualify as a regular library and requires a zoning permit? What exactly is the dividing line between “little library” and “library”? 😄

    • PlaidBaronOP
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      3 days ago

      The kit was $120ish. Pole and superspike were around $40. I already had the paint but didnt have to use much.

      It took about 20 minutes to assemble and about an hour to install. A few days to paint.

      All in all, super easy and pretty cheap. These are CAD prices so adjust accordingly if you’re in the states.

    • isleepinahammock@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      3 days ago

      If you’re handy, free plans are available online. These things are small enough that they could be made entirely from off-cuts and scrap wood. You can probably find woodworkers in your area that would just give you the necessary material.