Several people asked for the findings, so I thought it would be good to share with the list serv.  The majority of those who responded thought highly of Little Free Libraries.

Highlights of Michlib-l list serv regarding Little Free Libraries

Useful web sites and articles:

• http://littlefreelibrary.org/ Official Little Free Library site
• http://www.tadl.org/littlefreelibrary Traverse Area District Library’s Little Free Library
• http://www.heritage.com/articles/2014/08/30/ypsilanti_courier/news/doc5400aeadbc6fe137501128.txt Ypsilanti District Library sets up Little Free Library next to bus stop, on library’s premises
• http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2014/07/the-low-tech-appeal-of-little-free-libraries/375101/ The low-tech appeal of Little Free Libraries
• Locally, http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/592011/Take-a-book--leave-a-book--at-the-Little-Free-Library.html?nav=5001 Take a book, leave a book at the Little Free Library (Harvey, MI)

Pros:

• Positive addition to the community
• Does not detract from library services
• Popular when the brick-and-mortar library is closed
• Many LFL users become patrons
• Good advertising/marketing venue for brick-and-mortar library; positive press coverage
• Cheaper than a bookmobile
• Some libraries have LFL on their premises
• Stock with extra donations or discarded materials

Cons:

• Kits are expensive
• Homeowner association resistance
• Time and maintenance required
• Weathering
• Hard to keep stocked with children’s books

Who builds/maintains Little Free Libraries?

• Libraries
• Friends of the Library
• Rotary
• Boy Scouts
• Private parties