The other night, while walking around Riverview on the way to dinner, Anouk and I made sure to check in with one of our favorite spots in the neighborhood -- a spot others might miss -- a little wooden box decorated with fishing floats right outside The Village Mermaid, with a sign that reads: Little Free Library.  Just a teeny tiny lending library on the side of Granby Street, blink and you'll miss it, and we're so glad we didn't.

The Little Free Library always features at least a dozen or so interesting-looking titles (for grownups and kids) and Anouk can spend some time deliberating on which one she wants to bring home. They are all up for grabs to anybody who passes by and are (mostly) in good condition, though occasionally you meet with a book that has unfortunately met with a rainstorm. Take the books home, read them, bring them back next time you pass by -- you can even drop off new titles from time to time (we do when the box isn't too full).

Little Free Libraries have started popping up all over the #HRVA area in the last year or so (there are over 30,000 in the US and in 70 countries worldwide). Virginia Beach has half a dozen, in some of the prettiest spots. We'd like to see more in our area -- I've been toying with the idea of starting a little library but I think it might have to wait until after this baby pops.

For help locating little free libraries in your area, visit this map. And if you've visited one, share about it in the comments!




PS: The Little Free Library at Bluebird Gap Farm is a great place to look for gardening resources. And Anouk and her friend T. scored awesome copies of books from Suzanne Tate's nature series there!