John Locke, a Columbia architecture grad, has set up a little conceptual experiment which he is calling the Department of Urban Betterment whose chief duty is to covert old pay phone boxes into tiny libraries.
Apparently he's set up two booths so far and had limited success. Apparently the first booth had all its books lifted, and then the shelves stolen within a few days. The second booth faired a bit better with pedestrians both taking and leaving books for while, but eventually it suffered the same fate as the first. Locke plans to continue his experiments but in future booths he wants to add some simple instructions to help show pedestrians the intended use.
Personally I love it, and I think that with a little education it could be a great addition to some neighbourhoods. Full interview with Locke available here
It might have been more effective somewhere like Portland.
Posted by: The Sixler | February 29, 2012 at 07:34 AM
In Christchurch, New Zealand, after the earthquake a neighbourhood book exchange was set up in an old (commercial? i.e. glass-doored)fridge. It proved very popular for people finding it difficult to move around the city with the damage to roads and many of the libraries closed because the buildings were either being checked or deemed unsafe. See this article http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch-earthquake-2011/5331480/Fridge-a-magnet-for-book-lovers
Posted by: Chris Roberts | March 21, 2012 at 02:23 PM
This from 2009 http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/nov/30/phone-box-mini-library-somerset The red telephone booth lending library in Somerset.
Posted by: JR | April 19, 2012 at 01:12 PM
Very interesting experiments :)
Posted by: Randi | May 24, 2012 at 10:21 AM
I feel mostly on top of things when we all burst through the door.
Posted by: justin bieber shoes | May 25, 2012 at 08:53 PM