Peanuts In My Pocket

I dedicated an hour of my day yesterday to visiting local Little Free Libraries near my home in Buena Park. In that time, I managed to hit seven locations, dropping off books and exploring what each library had to offer. While the process was simple, I quickly realized my approach was inefficient—I’ll need to rethink how I plan my routes to save time and mileage.

Here’s the method I used:

1. Use the Little Free Library app to select a location.
2. Copy the address and update Waze (my maps app).
3. Drive to the location and drop off books.
4. Check in on the app, leave a comment, and find the next library.

It worked, but with better planning, I could streamline the process. Something to think about for next time.

Common Themes Among Little Free Libraries

As I visited different libraries, I started to notice patterns. Each location was well-stocked, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed to complement the neighborhood while adding a personal touch. It was also clear that these libraries primarily serve their local communities, particularly families with young readers. Every single one had a dedicated kids’ section with books for all ages.

Other notable observations:

• Multiple Languages: Many libraries had books in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Hindi (ChatGPT helped me identify some titles).
• Religious Material: Nearly every library included some level of religious content—Bibles, children’s Bible stories, sermon collections, and tracts.
• Literary Themes: A few libraries had curated collections. I was impressed to find classics like The Call of the Wild, The Lord of the Rings, and The Grapes of Wrath grouped together.
• Popular Genres: Adult fiction and romance were consistently well-represented.
• Extras: Some libraries included small toys, puzzles, stickers, or bookmarks, making the experience even more engaging for visitors.

Books Donated & One Found

I managed to donate 24 books across the seven libraries. I didn’t take any books, but one library was offering free bookmarks, so I grabbed one that says: “Life is What You Make of It.”

It’s now marking my progress through a book of poetry.

However, one book did catch my eye from within my own donations. I couldn’t remember if I had read it before, and it contained a Stephen King short story called “The Monkey”—so it’s my current read.

Final Thoughts

This was a rewarding way to spend an hour, and I plan to do it again—hopefully with a more optimized route next time. Little Free Libraries are a beautiful reminder of community, generosity, and the love of reading, and I’m excited to continue contributing.

More to come.