Feeling a little overwhelmed by life’s choices? Why not join the small street book library movement? Let unique thrift books come to you, at the right place at the right time. Says Mary Contrary: it will do you the world of good.

Anyone else here enjoy reading books but feel overwhelmed by the sheer number available? There they are, the little monsters. From their libraries, our endless bookshelves at home, e-readers, the weekend newspaper reviews. Read us, read us, they say (knowing full well that we can’t read them all in one lifetime). All these tempting options online and offline! Oh, where to start. Well, let me share a secret, if you haven’t discovered it yet. Next time you go for a walk, look for one of those little street libraries! Those little boxes with books behind a piece of glass or plastic. That whole Ms. Marple collection, love stories, thrillers. You will find it all in this little box. But it is never too much, only a few books fit here.

Getting to know each other

A collection of quirky old cookbooks or thrillers, left behind by that chatty lady from down the road (I imagine). One of those interesting trade magazines that you would never buy yourself, left by the family that live behind me. All kinds of books, all tailored to the character and lifestyle of the person who left it behind. It’s like you are getting to know them. Sometimes even in person, next time you are there.

Then you see me then you don’t

Sometimes you find a gem. Sometimes you don’t. But it’s always a nice, calm experience. Standing there, on the street. Reading a few intros, a few thrift book covers here and there, on your way somewhere.

Left by someone at the right time, for me

Personally, I love the experience of ‘allowing a book come to me.’ As they often do. The perfect book that is right for me at that moment. A deep, compelling story that takes me through different countries and generations. Just when I needed some distraction in my life. A cookbook with recipes for oven-baked stews, the moment winter arrives.

A book left by someone at the right time, especially for you. So strikingly related to something you are experiencing right now, there is no doubt about it.

Pigs in baths

Sometimes items other than thrift books are put there too. Only the other day, as I was on my way to a friend, I found one. It was the cutest little piggy in a pristine white bath with a number 4 on its base. It was the perfect gift for my friend. She has a farm, on number 4, and she loves pigs. And all I had to do was take it with me.

Thrift books: you either hate or love them

Ah, my little free street library. And when I’m finished, I put my new friend back, so someone else can have their own experience with it. No strings attached.

About the author

Mary Contrary just knows. Or maybe she has no idea. Who knows? In any case, she likes to think about life and see it from different perspectives. Being a little contrary has never hurt anyone, she says. Mary lives in a beautiful country, with her dog and lovely acquaintances around her, and together they enjoy watching the bat show at dusk with a glass of sherry.

Image courtesy of Pexels, Beyzaa Yurtkuran

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