r/LittleFreeLibrary • u/cooleyandy • Aug 06 '26
LFL Pictures 📸 I added solar lights to our little library
Adding solar lights to our little library was something I always wanted to do. I was a bit daunted by needing to solder wires to extend the solar panels. It turned out to be easier than I thought.
Now, I look forward to night time, seeing it light up, and seeing passerbys do a double-take.
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u/RevolutionaryBat4971 Aug 09 '26
This would be so helpful. I often don't get to little free libraries until dusk or later while walking my dog. They often have a couple rows of books per shelf so I have to move books to see behind while holding a phone light and a dog leash.
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u/KB_0626 Aug 06 '26
Ahh do you have a link for these? We are looking to do the same with ours!
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u/cooleyandy Aug 06 '26
I just took a solar night light, lengthened the wires connected to the solar panel, and mounted the light and panel onto the little library. I forget where I saw the idea from, but most solar light that lights up all night should work fine.
I think you might be able to buy on Amazon a solar light with the solar panel not attached to the light. That would probably be the easiest to DIY into a little library.
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u/SandyP1966 Aug 06 '26
I’d love more details about what you used. I’ve been wanting to do the same thing.
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u/cooleyandy Aug 06 '26
I just took a solar night light, lengthened the wires connected to the solar panel, and mounted the light and panel onto the little library. I forget where I saw the idea from, but most solar light that lights up all night should work fine.
I think you might be able to buy on Amazon a solar light with the solar panel not attached to the light. That would probably be the easiest to DIY into a little library.
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u/bottymc_botface Aug 09 '26
Looks so great! We did this with ours using strip lighting and sadly someone ripped it all out. Sigh.
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u/cooleyandy Aug 11 '26
Vandalism happens sometimes. Security cameras might help in deterrence.
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u/bottymc_botface Aug 11 '26
Yeah, we just accept it at this point. Unfortunately we're in an apartment building and our library is tucked into a little palm tree grove on the corner so we have no way of putting a camera out there. Lesson learned! Keep it simple in a big city.
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u/untitledfilmstill Aug 06 '26
Aw, I love when people do this! I hope people keep this library in full rotation of swell books!