Shade Tree Wisdom 8/3/12

          “An Idea whose time has come” said the title of the article that was talking about free libraries. It reported about a couple in Schulenburg who had taken a wooden box, painted it in bright colors with a sign saying “Free Library” and another sign saying, “Take a book – leave a book”. Then they fastened this to their front fence and put in about a dozen books they no longer wanted.

          Well, the pathway in front of their house was used by many for their morning and evening walks and runs. It also had quite a bit of travel morning and night. So they placed that box and watched to see what would happen.

          For the first several days it caused people to pause a bit, but the next thing some books were gone, soon to be replaced by others. In a week every title they had put out was gone, replaced by others. And that has continued. They checked the box every night. And in the first week noted nearly fifty different titles had passed through.

          When they added a second shelf for paperbacks, traffic simply increased.

          You know, we are quick to add canned goods to food drives at grocery stores, community centers, or perhaps at the Church we attend. This idea asks us to feed the mind.

          And why not?

          Think of the possibility. You pick up a mystery and find a clue stated on page 38 is the key to solve the puzzle, and you figured it out as you were reading. Stimulates the mind.

          History, geography, politics, financials, all are grist for such a library. The cost is minimal, and the end result is huge.

          One never knows what one may find.  Euripides, Aristotle, Shakespeare, Baldacci, or even a Perry Mason.

          May the idea, planted, bear some fruit, and If you do place such a Library, please share. It is just such an action that enhances the soul.

GPD 8/3/12