By Bill Quain
It was a real pleasure to research and write this week’s column. It highlights a growing trend worldwide and allows me to spotlight two of my favorite Ocean City locals. This week I’m talking about a special “little library” here in Ocean City.
My six-word title, “Take a book – Share a book” comes directly from the Little Free Library website (littlefreelibrary.org). A little free library is a small, enclosed box on a post, filled with books. Users are asked to “take a book and share a book” so that the library remains full.
But in reality, there are no rules. Users can take a book and later return it, take a book and trade it for another book or just take a book to read. The Little Free Library homepage states that there are over 175,000 registered little free libraries worldwide, in over 121 countries.
A library in memory of Almster
As a blind person, these libraries aren’t for me. I download my books from the Library of Congress and listen to them through a special device. However, I was introduced to a unique little library on the 4200 block of Central Avenue. It is operated by my good friends Tedd and Lisa.
They first began using little libraries in Ocean City about 10 years ago, when Lisa’s mother, Alma, needed something to read. Tedd and Lisa are avid e-bike riders. They would ride over to the North End (where the majority of the little libraries in town were located), searching for Alma’s favorite authors. When Alma passed away last year, the couple decided to set up a little library in Alma’s memory. Since Tedd always referred to his mother-in-law as “The Almster,” (a nickname she loved), the library is dedicated in loving memory of Almster.
Who can become a little librarian?
The answer to this question is easy! Anyone can become a little librarian. All you need is a box-like structure that people can access. The Little Free Library organization will sell you a suitable box, and give you instructions on how to install it. After that, it’s just a matter of putting it together, securing it and filling it with books.
There are a number of little libraries in Ocean City, all maintained by individuals or small groups. The Ocean City Free Public Library recently unveiled a children’s “Little Lending Library” at Lake Memorial Park. Like many little libraries, this one was built as an Eagle Scout project. There’s even a little library on the Boardwalk!
Tedd and Lisa built their own little library. Remarkably, except for the hinge and the clasp, all of the materials that Tedd used were salvaged. Some pieces were scraps from a deck Tedd installed. Tedd and Lisa’s little library is in the shape of a boat bow. There’s a dedication plaque to The Almster, and a “signature” plate with Tedd’s name on it.
Tedd said he is amazed at how well the library box has been received. People will drive up to their house just to use the library. Lisa said, “It’s such a joy – my mom will always be here with us.”
She also noted that Tedd’s time, talents and love went into that box. It’s one of a kind – and Tedd will not be building another one.
Summer tradition: reading at the beach
I asked Lisa if she had a theme for her little library. Her reply was simple: “This is a summer resort, and people like their beach books.”
She observed that women go for romance authors such as Danielle Steel and Nora Roberts, but they also like James Patterson. Men tend towards John Grisham. Fiction seems to be more popular than nonfiction. There is a big demand for children’s books, which go out quicker than they come in. Lisa will sometimes look for children’s books at yard sales, or put an ISO (In Search Of) post on one of the local Facebook pages when her children’s book supply gets too low.
Libraries: They aren’t just books anymore!
Many little libraries are stocking more than just books these days. Lisa recently introduced puzzles, and sometimes stocks card games such as UNO. You may even find children’s DVDs.
A local artist has started adding handmade items to The Almster’s Little Library. There are tiny turtles made from small stones, shells or sea glass. Each is initialed by the artist, and they are free for the taking. But a handblown glass stingray is a prized gift that Lisa kept for herself. It showed up on The Almster’s birthday this year. It was a nice surprise and a lasting memory.
The Almster visits Japan and Australia.
One of Tedd and Lisa’s neighbors, an 83-year-old gentleman, created a Pokémon site at the little library for his grandchildren. I have to confess that I have absolutely no idea how this works. Apparently, there have been Almster sightings in both Japan and Australia. I’m assuming it is some sort of “geocaching,” but then… I’m not really sure how that works either!
Readers: Share your little library experiences!
OK, now it is your turn. Do you have a little library experience? Who is your favorite librarian, and what is their story? Have you ever donated a book, a puzzle, or a special token? Send me an email to bill@quain.com.
As I say each week, “I’ll see ya’ in the papers!”
Bill is a Professor in Stockton University’s Hospitality Management Program. He is the author of 27 books, and a highly-respected speaker. Even though he is almost totally blind, Bill is a long-distance runner and runs the Ocean City Half Marathon each year. He lives in Ocean City with his wife Jeanne, and his Guide Dog Trudy. Visit www.billquain.com or email him at bill@quain.com.
