Feeling overwhelmed by the big dark, a.k.a. Winter in Seattle? Here’s a fun, free way to let a little light in: a Little Free Library Walking Guide. This guide explores some of the best community libraries in the area and offers a way to appreciate all the different literary flavors of our neighborhood.
After all, in the great words of Emily Dickinson: “How frugal is the chariot that bears the human soul!” (the best parts of life are free!)
Some literary background
Seattle is a UNESCO City of Literature, which is all too clear from the plethora of little free libraries scattered along our streets. Each neighborhood has its own individual collection of libraries, making Seattle a real cabinet of curiosities.
Today, we’ll be highlighting the Little Free Libraries of Capitol Hill.
I invite you to come on my version of a hot girl walk: a hot girl LITERARY walk. So please, go ahead and grab that red beret, Blundstones, ‘vintage’ plug-in headphones, and, Oh–DEFINITELY a scarf. The more layers, the better.
Little Free Libraries aren’t run by one entity but rather a system of individual boxes that you can purchase online and register to be your own ‘librarian’ or steward of the box. If you’d like to join that literary network, click here!
That said, join me in appreciating Capitol Hill’s wonderful collection of libraries and imagining the individuals who contribute to the libraries. Bring a book, take a book, and learn a little something.
A lovely Little Free Library literary tour
Stop 1: Vedanta Society Little Free Library – 2716 Broadway E.
The Vedanta Society Little Free Library is a holy way to start the morning. It’s chock-full of religious texts, from the epics of Bhagavata and the Upanishads, to the more recent contemporaries of modern-man-in-search-of-purpose literature. If you need some direction, this is the perfect Little Free Library for you. Even if you’re set on a path, it never hurts to get a little Buddhistic wisdom to begin the day!
After all, the best-selling book of all time is indeed the Bible. What better way to start your bibliophilic journey?
Stop 2: IKEA x Pacific Northwest Little Free Library – 123 16th Ave.
This library encapsulates the Pacific Northwest cedar birch aesthetic with just a touch of IKEA minimalistic flare. The branched face almost makes you think that a Nordic craftsman must live here. A wonderful opportunity to come to fill this Little Free Library with your own treasures!
Stop 3: Wee Free Library – 1222 16th Ave.
The self-proclaimed funniest Little Free Library certainly lives up to its name. It’s chock-full of comics, from Seattle Post-Intelligencer classics to the more artistic Peter Arno. Stop by for a laugh over some Seattle vintage humor, and maybe take a joke home for your next dismal dinner party.
Stop 4: Island of Misfit Toys Library – 1205 20th Ave. E.
This Little Free Library has a little something for everyone. Maybe you’re not in the mood to read a full novel, but you’re still feeling the urge to indulge in others’ adventures. Postcards in this Little Free Library feature stories of traveling Seattleites, and who knows? You might even find an ancient postcard from someone’s stories abroad. (Yes, Mom, I’ve been safe. No, Mom, I haven’t done drugs. My Vegemite addiction doesn’t count.)
Stop 4¾: Capitol Hill Wishing Tree – 2099 E. Galer St.
Feeling grateful for all this free literature? Or just wishful for childhood whimsies? Or feeling guilty for not leaving your book? No worries! Make a stop at the Wishing Tree to share your words and wishes! As you meander down 20th Street, take a moment to bask in the Christmas lights–Capitol Hill really knows how to get decked out.
Stop 5: Slender Man Little Free Library – 919 20th Ave. E.
Although its shape is reminiscent of the iconically scary Minecraft character, this library is full of feel-good classics. Nostalgic novels like “Sofia the First,” as well as early childhood guides to being helpful, fill up its shelves.
Liquid fuel stop
All this literary walking got you feeling peckish? Stop at the Mecca of literature in Seattle, Victrola Coffee. Many journalists indulge in hot beverages here, and you might catch some familiar faces from the Seattle storytelling world.
Perhaps you saw some native birds on your walk? Pick up some art inspired by them here.
I don’t know about you, but I definitely feel like crows are gang-stalking me. Edgar Allan Poe wasn’t inspired by them for nothing.
Stop 6: The How-To Little Free Library – 928 18th Ave. E.
This Little Free Library seems to be the “how-to” Little Free Library. Featured in it were books on how to deal with depression and guides for future dads. If you grabbed something lighthearted at the Wee Free Library, consider leaving it here to help calm the nerves of those expectant fathers.
Stop 7: The Puzzle Little Free Library – 747 16th Ave.
This library offers a mix of classic puzzles like Ravensburger and newer ones such as Cobblestone Way. With the holidays coming up, why not grab a puzzle to spice up your family dinner? Personally, I’d rather get lost in a puzzle than endure air kisses from Aunt Debbie or snores from Uncle Bob every five minutes.
A stroll down 16th Ave. will also reward you with some wonderful architecture. These streets have been aptly named “Millionaires Row,” and the houses live up to the title. This route is a journey through time, so make sure to pause and appreciate the houses along the way. These 20th-century homes have been well-preserved, and it’s one of the only areas in Seattle that almost feels like Stars Hollow—and you already know that Rory Gilmore would love a Little Free Library.
Stop 8: The Essential Pacific Northwest Library – 713 16th Ave. E.
This library is more for the born-naturalist of it all. It features books about the Pacific Northwest, Seattle guides, and some classics like Kurt Vonnegut. This Little Free Library definitely personifies the Capitol Hill resident, perfect for the rugged Dickie-wearing climber. Equally as enticing for the cutie Mycology-studying yogi girl as well. Little free libraries are for everyone, after all!
Stop 9: B’s Little Free Library – 411 E. Thomas St.
B’s Little Free Library is the girl-next-door: cute, quirky, and colorful. It’s filled with vintage books. The verdict isn’t out on who B is officially; neighbors say she’s a lifelong resident of the apartment and neighborhood. And literally, make sure to visit B-side and analog coffee right next door at the end of your tour.
Stop 9¾: The Hugo House
This stop needs no introduction—it’s a Capitol Hill literary staple.
What you may not know is that they offer free and donated poetry books. Check out the Hugo house for a chance to explore one of their free workshops, or get inspired like Hemingway with a whisky at their Book Bar.
Thank you for joining my literary journey! I hope you found some inspiration for your own writing as well as either picked up a new adventure, or dropped one off along the way. I also hope it was a great reminder of how simple pleasures really can be life’s treasures.
In the spirit of Emily Dickinson and our frugal college hearts: Go out and read, read, read for free, free, free!
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