In Leawood, a little free library’s victory for literacy and common sense

Nine-year-old Spencer Collins is back in the pro-reading, pro-library business in Leawood. That’s a positive outcome for Spencer’s recent rift with the city.

The Leawood City Council on Monday appropriately approved a moratorium on city rules that prohibit structures housing little free libraries in front yards. For good measure, Mayor Peggy Dunn politely handed a book to Spencer for his library during the council meeting.

The Collins family in May placed one of the newly popular, brightly colored lending libraries in its front yard. People could pick up a book for free, and leave one for others to read.

But some neighbors complained about the blue box with a yellow roof on red stilts. The city said it would have to be removed.

That unleashed a tsunami of negative attention.

City officials soon proposed the temporary moratorium. Future steps include public discussion and meetings that will decide whether to put a permanent exemption for the little libraries in city code.

That’s an obvious move at this point.

These tiny lending libraries are neighborhood assets, which is why Kansas City and some other area cities already allow them.

Those that don’t — such as Leawood and Fairway — ought to embrace this excellent way to boost literacy and community spirit.

This story was originally published July 8, 2014 at 4:58 PM with the headline "In Leawood, a little free library’s victory for literacy and common sense."