Little Free Libraries are public bookcases, situated in neighborhoods primarily throughout North America, where people can freely donate and borrow books for others to enjoy.

But in some of those roughly 90,000 total “libraries,” you can now find even more of what you may need.

Since most of us are cooped up in our houses at the moment, finding time to read can be more important than ever. A good book can transport you to another place and take your mind off of the current, stressful situation.

Alas, some of us are worried about more than simply finding something to do while we shelter in place until it’s safe to congregate again. We’re worried about having access to necessities like household goods and non-perishable food. Some simply can’t afford to stock up, while others don’t have a way of safely getting to the store.

To help address this issue in some small way, people are using their Little Free Libraries to help distribute cleaning supplies, toilet paper, OTC medicines, and canned or packaged food.

Ashley Hamer lives in Chicago and posted a photo of her neighborhood’s converted library to Twitter on March 17th where it was seen by thousands.

Others followed suit, sharing what they were doing for the neighbors during this trying time using the little cabinets sprinkled throughout cities.

It’s a small gesture, but that doesn’t make it unnecessary.

As writer Dan Sheehan noted on Literary Hub:

“Not only do these little free pantries aid those most affected by the financial ramifications of the pandemic shutdown, but they convey a message we could all do with remembering during these distressing, isolated days: you are not alone.”

Sheehan also said it allowed those with more than they needed to feel less powerless.

It’s a trying time for those who need help as well as those who want to give it but simply can’t congregate or safely go door to door asking what people need.

And the good deeds are taking place in Canada as well, as one person in a small Ontario town showed.

While there is a small public health risk for those who use the public receptacles because of lingering germs, wearing gloves, bringing a wipe with at least a 70% alcohol content, or quickly washing your hands after use (and avoiding touching your face in between) can all help manage that risk.

So far there has been no evidence that the virus can spread on packages – it is transmitted via respiratory droplets, so cleaning off anything you put in or take home is wise.

While the offerings are small, it’s possible to make a big difference in a family’s life to provide a free meal, no questions asked.

Of course, there are those making larger gestures as well. A woman in Tacoma showed her front yard pantry, designed to help families whose children were no longer getting meals at school.

As more and more people see creative ways of donating items to those in need, they may be empowered to help. That’s why it’s important to share and applaud efforts both big and small.

You can look for Little Free Libraries in your area using this interactive map. Executive Director, Greig Metzger, has offered advice on sharing non-perishable goods in these boxes in PEOPLE, including using the libraries to help raise funds and foods for local food shelves and pantries.

If you’re in need of a more significant donation, you can find local food shelves and pantries by going to foodpantries.org or feedingamerica.org if you are in the U.S.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: Mental Floss, Literary Hub, PEOPLE