I have always loved books. Going to the New York Public Library after work to pick up books I’ve reserved online is a regular joyous event. Luckily I don’t have to even leave my neighborhood now to get some new reading material. The wonderful people at Little Free Library have set up shop right on my street in Park Slope where neighbors practice “take a book, leave a book” with each other.

In its most basic form Little Free Library is a box full of books where anyone may stop by and pick up a book (or two) and bring back another book to share. It is one of the best ideas to make up today’s sharing economy, creating local “book swaps” around the world. Proof of the movement is everywhere like the tiny free libraries set up in public parks of Colombia.

Every day I walk past the Little Free Library stoop and peak inside to check what books have been added and which have been taken – it’s a fun little rush to see if any will become my new favorite! I have discovered a Russian cookbook there which I quickly snagged and I’ve also dropped off a number of books that I felt were ready to giveaway. All the books I’ve donated have been picked up by my neighbors, which is comforting that someone out there now enjoys a book I once loved as well! I will continue using Little Free Library on my block. I can’t wait to see what trades will be made as the winter season ramps up!

I’m not the only one who delights in popping their heads in to paw through the assorted stacks. The Little Free Library post is in front of a family’s house so occasionally in the morning I see a mom with her baby looking through for new treasures, always a cute sight. It is fascinating to see the joy Little Free Library has given our block as I see kids and adults discovering reading materials from Lord of the Rings trilogy sets to Lonely Planet guidebooks to children’s stories. Retreating home with a new book from Little Free Library has only added to the appeal of never wanting to leave my block.

You can check out Little Free Library in Park Slope at the corner of 11th Street and 4th Avenue, or visit another Brooklyn location at St. Mark’s and Park Place in Crown Heights. For more information, visit littlefreelibrary.org.