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Book Spring is the perfect time to discover Little Free Libraries near you

It’s a birdhouse, it’s a mailbox, it’s a Little Free Library! You may have seen them popping up on front lawns like spring flowers. Colorful containers in various shapes and sizes decorated to their owner’s liking, sometimes designed to match their home. Little Free Libraries were created to share and spread the love of reading while building a sense of community.

In Providence’s Summit neighborhood, Anne Holland’s Little Free Library has become something of a landmark. “I get a ton of Sunday afternoon walkers in family or friend groups,” she begins. “Some people even show my library to their out-of-town visitors as one of the things you go see on a scenic view of the area.”

The idea is simple: Owners, called stewards, place a public bookcase on their front lawn full of books they’re willing to share. Neighbors peruse the selections and take the books that they want to read; they may also add to the collection so there are even more options for avid readers.

“Editing the inventory daily has proven so important that my neighbor takes over when I’m away. Seeing what sorts of books come and go is a cool way to learn more about what my neighbors want to read, and thus who they are,” says the community-minded Holland, founder of 189 Development, a mission-driven organization that focuses support on women’s issues, parks and flowers, livable cities, and the literary arts.

Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization based in Saint Paul, Minnesota that promotes book exchanges. Stewards register their sites so that seekers can find them on the official app available through Apple and Google Play. Globally,

150,000 libraries are listed.

“Our free library helps us meet new people and stay in touch with our neighbors,” claims Robin Dionne, co-founder of Ampersand Creative (the curators behind events like The Good Trade Makers Market and RI

Veg Fest), about being a Little Free Libraries steward in the Auburn neighborhood of Cranston. “It is a conversation starter. Everyone wants to ask questions. People seem really excited to learn that they can take books – especially kids!”

At last count, there are 99 locations in the Providence area with new ones being added often . They’re stocked with something for everyone, from bestsellers to coloring books, even puzzles and craft supplies.

Dionne adds, “It took a while for the library to catch on, but now we see repeat visitors. We live on a popular dog-walking route, so there is some foot traffic. Even the UPS and FedEx drivers get out and take a look.” Learn more at LittleFreeLibrary.org

Meet Sussy Santana

The Rhode Island Latino Arts Poet-in-Residence has much going on during National Poetry Month and beyond

A Pvd Food Tour With Sussy Santana

EL VALLE RESTAURANT: If I have to bring food somewhere I always order their rotisserie chicken. It smells incredible and everyone loves it. 235 Manton

Avenue

LOS PRIMOS MEAT MARKET: Walking in feels like being in the D.R. In the Dominican, it’s very common to call everyone primo or prima (cousin) and the sta does that to everyone who walks in. It always reminds me of how welcoming we are as a culture; everyone is immediately elevated to family. 221 Academy Avenue

MAYA BAKERY: The best queso fresco. 113 Valley Street

NUÑEZ FRUIT MARKET: When I first moved to Providence, it’s where I did all my shopping. I still go when I’m in the neighborhood; it’s like seeing family members. 1427 Broad Street

LOS ANDES: My family and I enjoy going here and Machupicchu Restaurant; it’s in our neighborhood and the food is just delicious. 903 Chalkstone Avenue

What kinds of projects will you focus on as the Rhode Island Latino Arts Poet-in-Residence?

I will be working on Las Abuelas Nos Cuentan, a bilingual, multigenerational, oral history project focusing on the personal narratives of our community elders. In the context of a global pandemic, it felt more necessary than ever to honor the wisdom of our grandpar ents. I wanted to reflect on what they consider essential, how they view legacy, and what experiences have shaped them into who they are.

What is your favorite type of poetry to write and why?

I love poetry that is accessible and luminous, that invites reflection without complication. I’m inspired by the Nuyorican poets (a Puerto Rican NYC-based arts movement). I remember the first time I read “Puerto Rican Obituary” by Pedro Pietri; it really changed the way I saw poetry forever. It showed me how poetry could be used as a tool for change. It was also the first time I read about a reality that was familiar to me. Right now, I’m exploring writing as a form of medicine and poetry is a public bus to healing. I also love epics – the human spirit never disappoints.

Do you write your poems in both Spanish and English? Is it difficult to translate the meaning across cultures?

Spanish is my preferred language for writing but being bicultural and bilingual gives me the freedom to express myself in both languages equally, so I’m not translating. I either write in Spanish, English, or Spanglish. I love exploring the rhythms and moods of both languages because they really do reflect how I exist in the world.

Is there anything special going on in April for National Poetry Month?

I will continue to host Café Recuerdos (a storytelling and coffee event) on third Thursdays at La Galería in Central Falls. For April, we are asking community members to bring a poem that has special meaning to them. I’m also hosting a series of poetry workshops (RILatinoArts.org). Other happenings include Poetry Out Loud at the Athenæum (April 28), and What Cheer Writers Club is hosting virtual events (WhatCheerClub.org/events). I’m sure there’s plenty more; we have a thriving community of poets in RI!

Where are your favorite small businesses in Providence?

My preference is to buy art from local artists directly, but if I’m looking to gift anything with a Providence theme, I love Bad Taste (BadTasteStore.com); they always have quirky things that are fun and showcase local talent.