#LittleFreeLibraries are turning into '#LittleBeeLibraries' to give #pollinators a cozy place to rest

May 28, 2026

"Rachael Harms Mahlandt specializes in 'sidewalk joy.'

"For years, the #PortlandOR artist, who goes by @pdxdinorama on social media, has been helping her neighbors transform ordinary walkways, curb gardens, and front yards into colorful, interactive art installations.

"Through the Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map, Harms Mahlandt encourages artists around the world to 'add whimsy' to their own neighborhoods with tiny #PuzzleLibraries, #WishingTrees, #ToySwaps, miniature #ArtMuseums, #PlantExchanges, #DinoDioramas — and, of course, little #FreeLibraries.

"And one of her latest additions to the list isn’t just sparking joy; it’s helping the pollinators in her neighborhood thrive.

"On May 5, Manlandt shared a video of a Little Bee Library, a #bookbox that had been transformed into a miniature garden for local pollinators to rest and recharge."

Read more:
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/little-free-libraries-bees-book-boxes

#SolarPunkSunday #PDX #PortlandOR #GardeningForPollinators #BeeLibraries #FreeLibraries #BuildingCommunity

'Little Bee Libraries' turn book boxes into adorable pollinator sanctuaries

In addition to neighborhood plant swaps, trinket exchanges, dioramas, and more, Rachael Harms Mahlandt proposed a new craft idea that helps pollinators thrive.

Good Good Good

Stepped out the front door to run back to store.

Night time. Dark. Neighbors still taking walks.

At the edge of the yard, by the sidewalk, our bookbox was lit up by the two solar yard lights shining down on the books inside.

At the box, was a parent with two small children. Door open, checking out the books.

Happy that they were!

Hope the kids found something inside.

#bookbox #neighbors

Got two solar yard lights from Harbor Freight.

Took the panels off, trimmed plastic from back, drilled holes for mounting screws, soldered extension wire for LED lights.

Removed plastic ground stake part from lights. Cut old wooden handle in half, slotted ends, mounted lights, dropped into plastic horn tubes, cable ties galore.

Even on panels, so maybe no yoinky my 18650 batteries, dammit.

Downpointy lights light inside of box again!

Thus have I rehorned my literary #jackalope

#bookbox

Book box in front of house was unlit last night.

I'd built a jackalope gargoyle head, put it at the top of the box. Then for the jackalope horns, I had used a yard light solar panel and LED light, light positioned to light box interior.

It was gone last night.

Someone had yoinked the horns. Cutting the wiring. Disappointing. But at least I can say this completely novel sentence:

"I say! Some fellow of leisurely moral development has stolen the horns of my solar jackalope!"

#bookbox #solar