I saw a short video of Mike Bennett’s Portland Keychain Library, and I think it’s brilliant. I love those Free Little Libraries, but those are all over the place, so Mike has the right idea, putting a new spin on them and giving out free key chains instead of books. I thought about making my own Free Little Library if I ever move to a neighborhood without a dreaded HOA again, but now I may have to think up something else to put in it. I know what my daughter would want to put in there: pony bead bracelets, but those definitely don’t have the universal appeal of key chains.
@mikebennettart The Portland Keychain Library is thriving these days and there’s so many new trinkets to transform! If you’re in the area and want to trade, the library is open 24/7 – but the location is a secret! Good luck finding it! #keychain #fun #joy #sidewalk #library #art #free ♬ original sound – Mike Bennett Studios
I also like the way Mike has set it up so that people leave little toys and trinkets for him to turn into key chains in exchange for the key chains they take from the library. From my own jewelry making/crafting experience with my kid, I’ve made key chains and pendants using the hand drill method he uses, and it’s super easy for any skill level to produce these. Hopefully, people copy this idea and we see more similar key chain libraries in other cities.
What other soft of free libraries could people create?
