Every neighborhood should have one (or more!). I drop off book donations all the time (and…read moreoccasionally pick up a copy too). Fun, free & educational! Thanks!

This ruggedly built, sparklingly red Little Free Library is packed full of well-taken-care reading…read morematerial, perfect for a leisurely review of your next good book. But there's a cactus nearby. So no wild dance party or spontaneous plunking down and stretching out. The owners appear to be encouraging a more of a find-what-you're-after-and-head-on-home kind of an approach.

In a world where book stores are a dying species and the literary arts are being overshadowed by…read moresocial media/texting jargon; I support any program or gimmick which highlights literacy. Of course, libraries still exist where readers can borrow books to their hearts' content. However, sometimes you want to own a book and simply can't afford it. For these book worms with slim wallets: there are the Little Free Libraries. What the heck is a "Little Free Library", you ask? Little Free Libraries are small, birdhouse-like structures maintained by private curators (businesses, home-owners, people like you and me) in association with the charity, Little Free Library. The charity helps individuals create and upkeep the libraries (you can even purchase pre-built structures from them). How does it work? Simple: the merit system. You bring a book and take a book. Heck, you can even take a book without bringing one but don't be a greedy Grinch and take them all! With its own theme and book selection; each little free library is a unique experience and great for those who can't afford to purchase a book (note: this is more like a book store versus a library because you get to keep the book if you want). The Caw Cottage Little Free Library is located in a beautiful, shaded, tree-lined, quiet neighborhood in Sherman Oaks. The area exudes peace and charm and is thus quite conducive to book-reading. The Caw Cottage Little Free Library is located on a white picket fence in front of a beautiful home (can it get better than that?). The area is clean and luckily no kiddos decided to vandalize the structure and therefore you are greeted by a double glass-doored birdhouse-like structure in the vein of a shabby chic cottage. Simply open the glass doors and peruse the selection. Expecting crappy books that no one wants? Wrong, my friend! Caw Cottage's selection varies from art to history, novels to biographies. I snagged a recently published book from one of my favorite authors! I was stoked! The books are in great condition (albeit a bit loss of color from minor sun damage). The offerings are better than some used book stores. The point of Caw Cottage is the experience. You can't help but smile as you are transported to the land of books. Yes, it may be a gimmick or overly whimsical to some. However, for book lovers, it is a "cute" moment to be savored. Caw Cottage bleeds love for books. The Little Free Libraries are a wonderful idea and Caw Cottage is one of the better ones with its location, curbside appeal, and book selection. Definitely a must for book lovers!

My husband and I love seeing this little library every time we walk to Starbucks. Sometimes we pick…read moresomething up, sometimes we leave something. It's so cute, and brings such joy to our hearts. :)

What an adorable, well made, unique design for a Little Free Library!…read moreI love it. The robust exterior guarantees that the books won't get soggy in the rain or dusty in the wind. And the little attic makes it seem like the visitor gets more than they expected. An adjoining picnic table for squirrels makes this a required stop if you happen to be anywhere nearby. Just awesome.

While waiting for my shift to start, I ventured out the neighborhood to get my steps. That's when I…read morestumbled upon this Little Free Library. The structure is hard to miss if you're walking on its side. It has not been taken cared of. The structure is dilapidated. It needs a new paint as well as upgrading the books inside. Books look old and not interesting enough titles. I hope they will put new ones. I hope the community will continue to appreciate this Little Free Library. And will keep it updated.

After visiting my first Little Free Library, I decided on making a bucket list of experiencing more…read morelocations. Each Little Free Library has its own flare, look, theme, and book selection so the phrase "When you see one, you have seen them all" certainly does not apply here. Wondering what a Little Free Library is? Let me copy/paste my well-articulated description from my other review: Little Free Libraries are small, birdhouse-like structures maintained by private curators (businesses, home-owners, people like you and me) in association with the charity, Little Free Library. The charity helps individuals create and upkeep the libraries (you can even purchase pre-built structures from them). How does it work? Simple: the merit system. You bring a book and take a book. Heck, you can even take a book without bringing one but don't be a greedy and take them all (note: this is more like a book store versus a library because you get to keep the book if you want). Got it? It's all quite simple. So how does this Little Free Library rate? Located in a residential neighborhood which, granted, is generally quiet; the area was a bit unkempt. The Little Free Library is located facing a sidewalk in front of a home and is difficult to see because dented-junk cars are parked by the curb adjacent to it while tons of overgrown foliage, ivy, and spider-web filled plants curtail one from walking directly up to the structure. Based on the other photos, it appears that it was more appealing in the past. Yes, this Little Free Library has benches which is a cute touch and not one that all have; but even those are not well-maintained. To say the least, it isn't that inviting. Despite this, the main focus is the books so I continued my exploration. Sadly, the books here aren't that great. There is a wide variety in terms of subject (children's books, novels, non-fiction, and art) but the books are old and not in the best shape. This Little Free Library is more akin to the selection at a thrift store but without the occasional treasures. In fact, I left without taking a book. I am not opposed to coming back to seeing if the selection improves when I am in the area but I wouldn't go out of my way. Overall, I am glad this Little Free Library exists and I give credit to the neighborhood and curator but the heart and passion in the upkeep seems to be missing. It has potential and I can see from the photos that it was there but merely slipped. Regardless, this Little Free Library is still suggested for book lovers in the area who seek out the magic of these little neighborhood libraries but there are better ones available.

Stumbled upon this cutest community book box while walking. If you don't live around the area, you…read morewill never know it exists. I can tell it is well taken cared of. The paint looks new and it has a nice finish. It is color white with a dark roof. You would think it is a mail box if you're not facing it. It can fit a pretty good sized maybe 10 books.

What's more awesome and generous and wonderful than a person putting a Little Free Library out on…read moretheir property? A person putting 2 LFL's on their property!! These robust, little repositories for readers were positively packed with books to explore and enjoy. The dark blue one seemed to be set aside for the littles while the Schoolhouse Rock library had options for more experienced readers. They were right near the street and my guess is that the gently insane neighbor that I dealt with would never make an appearance with most visitors.

Been using this little free library for 10 years. It got a face lift recently and I try to put some…read morenice books as much as I can.

This is an orderly Little Free Library on the lawn of a beautiful, equally orderly, little home. It…read morewas well stocked and a pleasure to visit. A visit that was made more interesting by a squirrel in the nearest tree who was shouting down curses and warnings in his little squirrel-ly language that this was HIS library and I was not welcome and he was prepared to rain down hellfire and walnuts unless I unhanded his most prized possession. I tried to negotiate. I tried to reason with him. I exercised the deepest most heartfelt diplomacy. But he would have none of it. In the end I had to endure his insults and slanderous disparagements as I made my selection and humbly returned to my car aware that he had won and that I had been well and thoroughly berated.

Almost no homes on this street have sidewalks. But one owner was kind enough to pave one. Almost no…read morehomes on this street have large, shady trees. But this home has one. And what sits in the shade, next to the sidewalk, in this little oasis of cool refreshment? A Little Free Library. This stylishly painted little box of generosity beckons the weary reader to come... find something interesting for your mind ......as you pause and let your body take a break in the cool shadows. And a bit later you leave invigorated and a little more hopeful to continue on with the tasks of the day.

It's a free library so what is there to hate! Much love for the community and I appreciate you guys…read morefor having it!