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A Meeting of Libraries, Real and Imagined

Laurie Graves is a terrific writer and a good soul who blogs at Notes from the Hinterland,

“in which a Maine writer reflects about nature, living in a small town, people, social concerns, art books, and food.”

Laurie Graves

Laurie is also a fiction writer who recently completed the fourth and final book in The Great Library Series.

Of Time and Magic is dedicated to Laurie’s blogging friends, where she notes that the Great Library novel series has traveled the world.

I enjoy supporting independent writers and the Little Free Library movement, so it was fun purchasing several copies to share in our communities’ Little Free Libraries, or LFLs.

Here are a few:

San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood LFL
Inside: Of Time and Magic by Laurie Graves
This is a fairly new LFL, also in Willow Glen
The interior of this book box shows off Clif Graves book design

This gorgeous library is in the Cambrian District of San Jose. It’s a delight.

This library was almost empty when we got there. It’s at the trailhead of a Los Gatos park
Posing with Laurie’s book in front of the Bel Gatos LFL
Two bloggers represented here: Laurie and Marlene of In Search of it All

We have two small libraries in our front yard. A friend built the first library using reclaimed wood. Then, a few years later, Donna Pierre gave it a complete makeover. When the pandemic hit three years ago, and we were all shut down, I put a clear bin outside with children’s books. Kids were out of school, so a book box dedicated to young readers and later crafting kits were a hit. Eventually, I bought a second book box from the non-profit Little Free Library to replace the sun-damaged bin, and once again, Donna worked her magic.

Our Little Free Libraries, Cambrian area of San Jose
Our Children’s Little Free Library

In short, I love books and sharing books, and what could be better than sharing books written by a wonderful blogger who’s written four novels about the Great Library?

You can learn more about the Little Free Library movement and the non-profit’s various literary programs here.

You can buy Laurie’s books here.

Here’s the link to our first LFL, dedicated in 2014 and the children’s version from 2020.

25 thoughts on “A Meeting of Libraries, Real and Imagined”

  1. I always love to read your posts about your libraries. What a marvelous idea to donate to your communities libraries as well as stocking your own. You are so kind Alyson. You are right that the Cambria LFL is delightful. They are all wonderful. Carnegie would be delighted by the LFL movement.

    I also love to read and there are a few LFLs around here I donate to.

    Our county recently starting making “book trails” in the local parks using children’s books. It’s always fun to be walking and hear children and their families sharing the stories.

    I love children’s books and am friends with several avid young readers at church. I shall have to send for some copies of Laurie’s books to pass to them. Maybe they know her already.

    Thank you for sharing.

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    • Hi Amy. I’m happy to hear that you enjoy the library posts. I agree that Carnegie would be thrilled. It’s nice to hear that you are enjoying LFLs in your area. They’ve taken off. A friend shared a photo of one today made from an old piano! I love clever creativity. I hope you do buy copies of Laurie’s book series to share. I gave my sister copies as well, and she enjoyed them. Thank you for always stopping by with good cheer!

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  3. How wonderful of you to support LFLs in your area with Laurie’s books. I have all four of the series and find them a most engaging read, hard to put down! Congrats to Laurie, as Maya’s popularity grows. 🙂

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    • Thank you, Eliza. Laurie’s books are engaging, and I imagine empowering for young readers as well. I loved my days in the library as a young girl and without realizing it, often frequented female authors. We’re all looking for something we can relate to at that age.

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  5. Every time you mention your LFLs I keep meaning to email our local councillor about turning the village’s disused telephone box into one. The other suggestion is a defibrillator though and I’m guessing that will get more votes.

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  7. You have the biggest heart, dear Alys! What a wonderful way to spread your love of reading throughout San Jose! For several years, I have felt so inspired by your Little Free Library and all of the joy that it brings to your neighborhood! We still have a few big outdoor home projects to complete. A LFL will be the crowning jewel as soon as the time is right. I can’t wait!!
    Sending love and hugs!💗

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    • Dawn, I would have sworn that I replied here. I wonder if I started a comment and got distracted. That happens, pretty much every day. LOL. I’m so excited to hear that you are moving closer to a LFL of your own. I will be following your progress closely.

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  8. Oh, Alys! What a lovely post and thank you so much for the ping back. We have a library of books upstairs but I have rarely, if ever seen a soul taking one. I will be getting Laurie’s book too. You know how much I love LFL’s. This post makes my heart sing. I know of Laurie but I think I want to know her better now. Thanks for this in every way.

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  9. Pingback: Spring is Here! | Notes From the Hinterland

  11. Aren’t people so creative with their LFL’s ?! I think I’ve never seen one as sweet as yours, though it’s fun to see them around. There’s a number of them in our neighbourhood. I’ve left DVD’s and CD’s in them too, since we don’t have a player anymore. I figured why not? You can rent them at public libraries. Last summer, one nearby also had zucchini’s to share, ha! Bravo to your friend Laura! Such an accomplishment! 💗k

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    • I’m impressed with Laurie’s ability to create characters, alternate realities, and suspense in this series. It’s really something.

      I love looking at clever LFL’s. It’s nice of you to frequent yours and to drop off DVDs and music. I see those from time to time as well.

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