Dear LPG,

I was walking in Hither Green Lane recently and, as I got to the junction with Ennersdale Road, on the opposite side of the road I noticed a little wooden cupboard perched on the wall of a front garden.  It contained some books and invited anyone passing to take one or leave one there.

I found it a really good idea because I like reading and have quite a few books that I have already read which are just sitting on shelves in my home instead of giving pleasure to another reader. I can see how the act of passing a book on in this way is a chance to offer someone else the opportunity to enjoy the book while I move onto another. 

I know that there is a telephone box which now operates as a library in Brockley, but this is the first that I have seen in a book cupboard.

I have Googled and found that an organisation called the ‘Little Free Library’ which originated in America generated the idea.  Although I cannot find reference to the one I mentioned on the map, this web site sells book cupboard kits, has many tip and hints on how to build your one and also offers the opportunity to register your mini library on their website. 

The internet has claimed so many who would have been happy to read real books, but I believe of all the people left who really enjoy the printed page, getting and giving new reading material in this way, we elders are the most appreciative and it is evident that if you live in a road which attracts a reasonable amount of pedestrians each day and have a suitable fence to put it on, this could be a new venture for you.

Perhaps the building of one is a project for some of our DIY enthusiasts to take on.

BI, Hither Green.

LPG talked to the owners of one of the three mini libraries that we have found in the Hither Green area and learned that they are being used with books being left and deposited regularly.  There is something very special about finding out what new books have been left there and which have found new homes and it is not vital to be affiliated with the Little free library.

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