OK, so I spoke with the city about putting up a “community bookcase” somewhere and they didn’t see any sort of obvious legal hurdles.  Obviously I will double-check with them once we come up a specific location, but for now it seems that we can move onto next steps.

As I can see, here are the next two hurdles to overcome: first, we need a location and second we need a bookcase that can withstand the conditions of our desired location if it is outdoors. (ie. does it need doors and be water-resistant?

So, who’s got a location and who has (or wants to construct) a water-proof bookcase?

Need inspiration?  Here’s a Facebook album with a couple other examples of German “public bookcases”, including the one to the right.

Among an explosion of posts on Decatur City Commissioner’s blog yesterday was this one, announcing the ground-breaking and ribbon cutting dates of the Oakhurst Community Garden’s new Sugar Creek Garden (formerly called “Oakhurst Neighborhood Farm”).  (Speaking of the OCG, it seems they have a sweet new website!)

Sugar Creek Garden to break ground April 3; come lend a hand!

Please come out between 10-2, Sat, April 3, for as little or as long as you like. We’ll be lining the swale with strawbales and preparing farm-rows for planting. This is a good opportunity to learn how to create growing beds in a low-invasive method, with shovels and compost. Bring a snack and some water. We’ll have shovels.

Earth Day for Peace Garden, workday April 17, 10-2

We’ll be focused on Church property, adjacent to the Garden site. Tasks will be non-toxic invasive species removal and creating an outdoor classroom.

Ribbon Cutting, April 19, 4:30

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