I’m trying to do something nice but the initial response has been so disappointing I’m wondering if I should even bother.

I put up a post the other day about a project I’ve been thinking about for a long time. There are these things called ‘little free libraries’ and they are based in the US but you’ll find them all over the world. They are little units which house books for anyone to come and take – they get to keep the book and anyone can contribute more books to it.

I thought they were a great way of clearing out your own book pile while being able to try something new. They aren’t locked so accessible 24/7 and for all ages, children and adults alike.

I got so excited thinking about setting up one of these little libraries in our area as it isn’t the ‘well-off’ part of town and I thought it would help to encourage the kids to read more. We also have a few old peoples care homes very near us and I did think it would be a way for them to access books as they can’t get to the library – I often see carers walking with a resident or pushing them in their wheelchair.

So I went ahead and started a ‘Give Send Go‘ campaign to raise funds for the little free library and put out information on the ‘nextdoor’ page so neighbours could find out about it and hopefully spread the word.

I got one response and I’ll be honest, it felt like a punch to the gut:

“Don’t understand this request! Is the Nairn library closed?”

I even put a link to the website which explains all about the little free libraries which obviously wasn’t looked at.

I tried to explain how this is accessible all the time, you can keep the book, share your own books etc but it left me wondering: I’m trying to do something nice, something for the community and this is the response I get? It occurred to me, he is probably from the ‘well-off’ part of town and therefore doesn’t realise how kids spend their time or the appalling literacy rate of kids today or how hard it is for some people to get to the library – we have pensioner houses near here too.

I still think it’s a good idea but this put me on a bit of a downer if I’m honest. I know I should have just ignored it and carry on but I didn’t. I’m finding the advertising thing hard because I’m not on facebook or any of those sites. I’m considering putting a few things around local shops to let people know about it. What do you think?

Should I continue and if so, how should I advertise it? Would really appreciate your ideas.