I’m fan of Little Free Libraries. If you’re not familiar with them, the idea is that you set up a cabinet or shelf for books (preferably outdoors) and people can take or leave a book. It’s pretty simple, but I’ve seen them all over, and there’s even a relatively organized movement (https://littlefreelibrary.org/). I’ve used many as they’re prominent where I live, and I hope to start one pending some yard remodeling.
As nice as they are – and I encourage you to support and even start one – I also use them in religious devotionals and invocation, and want to share what I do.
First, select an deity-appropriate book to donate. You could:
- Take one out of your personal library that you no longer read or are done with. It’s a good way to make space, show respect, and share something you’ve vetted.
- Buy ones at a local bookstore or used bookstore. I’ve written before about how you can even invoke the spirits of the store. Plus it supports local businesses!
Next, find a Little Free Library. You can find some online or at the link above. Select one that fits whatever god you’re invoking if you can.
Finally – and obviously – go to the Library, make an appropriate invocation to your chosen deity, and put the book in the Little Free Library. Be discreet since these are public places and run by people who put time and effort into maintaining them.
It’s simple, effective, and good for your community! Because you put thought into it, it also helps connect you with your chosen deity and what you value, making it great no matter how you regard the divine (which I’ve written about). You also put money into local businesses – if that’s where you make your purchases.
I’ve taken to keeping a pile of deity-appropriate books around, which helps as I often check out local bookstores on my urban hikes. I also make donations parts of my regular exercise, walking to appropriate Little Free Libraries. Come to think of, this method is also good for my muscle tone and cardio.
So give this one a try. Let me know how it goes – and how you innovate!
– Xenofact