What do you do when you have a dream of owning a bookstore, zero business acumen, and even less money? You become a steward of a little free library. I named mine after my beloved pups, both past and present.

If I had the means, I would own my own bookstore, providing new and used titles to customers. In addition to selling curated gifts and hosting book clubs and events, there’d also be pets available for adoption from local shelters and rescues; and let’s not forget the resident bookstore cats! How wonderful this would be!

Unfortunately, this is a dream and not a reality. I don’t remember when I first heard about little free libraries, but I think they are a great idea. They can serve anyone in the community at any time, as most are accessible 24/7, available for any early morning/late night book cravings. This may be what motivated me to purchase and steward my own little library. Not only would it somewhat fulfill my bookstore dream, but it would accommodate patrons’ busy schedules. Some libraries have very limited hours for people who enjoy browsing physical books. As someone who works a traditional 9-5 with a commute, I have found this to be true. That is where the little free libraries come in handy, not as a replacement for the local library, but rather as an enhancement when it is not available. Some areas may not be fortunate to have a local library, and the little free libraries can provide books to those locations.

Our little free library is located between a ball field and an elementary school, an excellent spot for foot traffic. There are several people who walk their dogs in the neighborhood; perhaps their owners read. The library has stood for a couple years now, but it occurred to me that I should accommodate any four-legged visitors as well.

In the warm months, I will set out a water bowl for furry passers-by. Even if their owners aren’t encouraged to browse the offerings, the pups can cool off with a drink. There are dog-friendly items that can be added to the library, and I may be inspired to integrate them into my front lawn setup the future.

One item is a dog leash holder that attaches to the library post. While I love the idea of having a place to park your pup (while they enjoy their aforementioned beverage), I’m not so sure it would work in my situation. I do not have concrete anchoring my library, so I fear wear and tear may loosen the post that secures the library.

However, doggie visitors could enjoy a treat or two, if I installed a treat container to the post. I see this being added in lieu of the leash hook, as I view this being much more sturdy and less detrimental to the library’s stability. I don’t think I would get a complaint from the dogs.

By now you may be wondering what this post has to do with my furry family members. It doesn’t, other than it was named for Moose and Red, Capone and Cosmo. The former may be gone, but they will never be forgotten. I am proud to present Two Hounds Little Free Library.