Little Free Library Design Standards
Little Free Libraries are popular, providing a sense of community and sharing. In 2018 Possession Bay welcomed our first library built by and hosted at 4615 Harbour Heights Drive. The owners worked closely with the HOA architectural control committee to ensure certain design standards were met regarding visual continuity, build quality, and accessibility. The ACC has adopted this exceptional model as the “gold standard” for other libraries that may be added to the neighborhood in the future. While there are many artistic and creative versions of these in the world, the HOA has a mission of maintaining visual harmony, which impacts home values. Owners are not required to replicate this model exactly, but should follow the guidelines below to ensure visual harmony.
Guidelines:
• Library should blend with the design elements of your home and the community. In the approved example below, the owner used siding, paint, trim, and shingles to match their home.
• Dimensions should be consistent for all installations, but not larger than this model. (46” x 18” x 18” x 30”) • Gable roof designs are ideal as nearly all homes in PBH have this design. (Opposed to a lean-to roof) • Must be sturdy and watertight. Has to standup to our wet climate, and high traffic.
• Encouraged to register the library at www.littlefreelibrary.org
• Planting a garden around the base to soften the appearance of the installation is encouraged. • Must be accessible from the sidewalk for people of all heights, like children and those in wheelchairs. • Must sign agreement to keep library in good visual and working condition, not accumulate items outside of the library, and acknowledge they are providing implied access to their property and are responsible for the library contents. The library is the owner’s property and is installed on their property, for public use. • Must submit plans to ACC prior to install for review, as with any front yard additions, per the CCR’s.
