Little Free Library

 Many of our readers probably wonder what farmers do in the "down season". Well, between our main growing season (late Spring to early Fall) and our maple syrup season (late January to early March), we find time to relax, catch our breath, and work on something else!

For the last couple of years, Ben has been spending some of his downtime building Little Free Libraries for the Greene County Literacy Coalition. For those that don't know, a Little Free Library (LFL) is a way to expand the reach of local libraries by providing a book exchange in underserved communities. This allows patrons to borrow books and return them for new books at their convenience. Periodically, the library replaces the books within the LFL. ​

LFL #1
The first LFL that Ben created can be found on the LFL website map and is registered as #53380. 

The LFL's destination was in front of a church, so it was made to look like a church as well. Features include: lapped cedar siding, sheet metal roof, and faux stained glass windows.
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LFL #2
The second LFL can be found at the same LFL website map and is registered as #53379.

This LFL was inspired by farming, so it was built to resemble a barn. Vibrant and contrasting colors were chosen. Additionally, the LFL is double sided; a partition divides the interior in two and both ends have a door.
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LFL #3
The third LFL was just recently completed and hasn't yet been registered with the LFL website. It is located in front of the American Legion in Lyons, IN.

This LFL features a large front door and paint scheme to match the surrounding buildings.

​As you can see, downtime for a diversified farmer simply means putting down one tool and picking up another!