Little Free Library Trend Growing In Chicago Area
CHICAGO (CBS) -- From a distance, you might mistake them for large birdfeeders, but upon closer inspection the miniature one room houses on poles have books in them.
They're called the Little Free Library, and a few dozen have popped up in the Chicago area, including outside Debbie Snow Humiston's house in New Lenox.
The Little Free Library movement began in Wisconsin five years ago. Its creators now sell "Little Free Library" kits to people who don't want to design and build their own. Prices range from $175 to nearly $1,000.
For the past couple years, Humiston has stocked hers with a variety of books. Neighbors can come and borrow them as long as they like. There are no real rules.
"You can take a book. If want to return it, you can.You don't have to return it. If you want to pass it on to someone else, you can. If you want to return a different book, it's pretty wide open," Humiston said.
She estimated she has stocked her Little Free Library with more than 100 books over the past couple years. Some books were donated to her. Others, she has picked up at garage sales.
Humiston said having a Little Free Library is fun. She said it's all about encouraging young people and adults to read more.
