Neighbor Converts Free Little Library to Free Little Pantry
By edhat staff
A Santa Barbara resident turned their free little library into a free little pantry for neighbors in need.
Suzanne Cuddy, a resident in the Oak Park neighborhood, maintains the Little Free Library in the 2100 block of Bath Street. Little Free Library is a national nonprofit organization that promotes neighborhood book exchanges and has more than 90,000 sites registered.
Cuddy decided to temporarily turn her library into a "Little Free Pantry" to assist neighbors during the coronavirus pandemic. She urged neighbors to take what they need and share what they don't. While stating she disinfects the doors frequently, she left a note reminding neighbors to disinfect all items they take home and wash their hands.
"As my mother passed away recently it felt good to do something to honor her, too. She loved seeing people come by using the libraries," said Cuddy.
She even created a special children's section where kids will find surprises every week such as colored pencils, play dough, and coloring books.
Since converting the library, neighbors have helped out by donating items and produce from their garden.
11 Comments
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Apr 15, 2020 12:27 PMI love this.
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Apr 15, 2020 12:59 PMSolvang has done this too. Neat idea
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Apr 15, 2020 02:37 PMThis is great. I am very thankful for the little free library near me. It has remained a library, which is wonderful to have now, while the “real” library is closed.
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Apr 15, 2020 04:42 PM(I should have said big library, not “real.”)
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Apr 16, 2020 07:49 AMI hope this publicity doesn't cause a small facility meant to help neighbors to attract anyone who would selfishly empty it.
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Apr 16, 2020 08:22 AMWhat a thoughtful, useful + interesting repurposing of a Free Little Library! Thank you! I'm going to add to it today with : packets of sunflower birdseed, energy bars, a puzzle, a Sprite tomato seedling - and TP ;-}
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Apr 16, 2020 09:08 AMLovely idea. Please don't use it unless you live in the neighborhood and need it!
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Apr 16, 2020 02:50 PMI saw a "little library" here on the Westside and someone had put a roll of toilet paper in it with a cute note with a heart on it. Carry on..............
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Apr 16, 2020 07:06 PMSuch a sweet idea if it was not for Corona Virus! Hello, think about how many people have touched this door and opened and closed it. This virus lives on surfaces for days. How many people have touched the contents of what has been placed inside? No thanks think about that one, want that in your home after all the effort of social distancing and masks? touch, take at your own risk! Bleach wipes are sold out everywhere, if you have some wipe down anything anyone has handled including your groceries from your instacart delivery.
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Apr 16, 2020 08:04 PMLORAX: GLOVES!! And hand-sanitizer after using this wonderful “little pantry”. No more dangerous than going to Trader Joe’s — probably way safer, since it’s likely tens of people per day vs hundreds at TJ’s touching the same things over & over again. Or better yet, simply don’t utilize this kindly amazing community resource yourself if you deem it too dangerous. Problem solved!
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Apr 16, 2020 09:48 PMAmong the many the many mental health challenges resulting from Covid19: many will move beyond appropriate caution about microbes to germophobia + it won't be easy to treat...