A Bookworm Adventure

Your Guide To Finding Little Free Libraries For Your Next Beach Read

BY MARISSA DONOVAN

SUNBLOCK? Check! Towel and swimsuit? Double check! A book to read while relaxing? Well, that’s not always easy to find. It may not be something you even considered packing in your L.L. Bean tote bag. Maybe you feel uninspired by your bookshelf. Maybe you’ve been in a reading slump. Maybe you’re only reading what’s on your child’s back-to-school list. Whatever your situation, get inspired with a mini summer adventure exploring the Little Free Libraries scattered around Maine.

Little Free Libraries are mailbox-like resources placed in front of homes and in public spaces. Each one holds a variety of preloved books, which you can exchange for a book from your personal collection. The Little Free Libraries website (littlefreelibrary. org) and app for your phone, map out which ones are close by based on the city and state you search. And there are many that are unmarked. It’s best to keep an eye out during your dog-day excursions.

While I haven’t personally had a chance to visit all of Maine’s Little Free Libraries (there are more than 50 in Greater Bangor alone), there are a few that I frequent. And I’ve figured out how to find the five-star reads.

Posted on the left side of Stephen King’s house is one that holds a special memory for me. A few summers ago I opened the small, blue door to the shelves of books and found an almost-new hardcover of “The Mothers” by Brit Bennett. This is what I would call a lucky find. A book that’s been on your radar, and you just happen to stumble upon it when you least expect it. Have the mentality of an optimistic rookie on a fishing trip — you might just reel in a big catch. It’s bound to happen eventually, but it may not happen every trip. That’s what makes it special. It’s sometimes a matter of patience with the process and pure luck if you really want a great book.

There’s also the novelty of visiting a Little Free Library near a beach during the summer. I’ve enjoyed checking out the Free Little Libraries in Deer Isle and Sargentville. There is usually an excellent selection. Plus it’s a quick drive to Sylvester’s Cove in Deer Isle or Sand Beach in Stonington.

And it’s not just novels for adults. You might find “The Baby-Sitters Club” series, “Goosebumps” paperbacks, children’s books by Robert McCloskey, and more to inspire young readers on their summer vacation.

Be warned that if you pass up a book you desire, you will regret it later! I should have snagged the copy of “Still Life with Woodpecker” by Tom Robbins when I saw it.

Once you’ve found the book you’re taking to cool off by the water, leave a book for someone else to enjoy. Take a moment to tidy up the placement of the books if needed, and leave with the serotonin of enjoying one of the little things in life.