Tree Library Violation (Updated)
an “accessory structure “? Seriously, town council, please give direction to code enforcement that this is just nonsense. This is a positive quality of life *enhancement* for folks in town.
Sorry you’re going through this and appreciate you looking for a solution
Yeah books are a good look. Removing them a bad look, particularly for Maplewood. And . . . most of these tree libraries are far from eye sores. Hoping we can work it out with the town.
You first need to find out the reason for the violation. Speaking with the code enforcement person who issued the violation should produce this information. I can see two possible non-little free library issues that explain the violation. One problem could be that the little free library is located on the median (or within 10 feet of the curb if no sidewalk is present). The median is owned by the town, though maintained by you, and they don't want any structures on it that the town did not place there. Another problem could be that you literally meant to write "tree" library rather than "free" library and the little free library is physically attached to a tree (your's or the town's). Attaching the library structure to a tree could be unstable and/or endanger the health of the tree. Placing a free standing little free library on your side of the sidewalk (or more than 10 feet from the curb if no sidewalk is present) would hopefully resolve both issues. Speak with the appropriate person at town hall to verify what needs to be done to remedy the situation.
@joan_crystal - I did speak to the person who issued the violation and he confirmed that it's because it's a violation of the law rather than any safety issue. He said the town is cracking down on them because so many have sprouted up. And you are right on the language, it's a free standing library not affixed to a town or any other tree. We asked him whether it made a difference whether it's on the town's property (the median) or our property and he said it wouldn't make a difference. Not sure who else I would speak with.
That is the dumbest thing that I have ever heard from anyone other than the President.
If this is the case then perhaps contacting a few township committee members might be more effective than posting here.
bigorangesplot said:
@joan_crystal - I did speak to the person who issued the violation and he confirmed that it's because it's a violation of the law rather than any safety issue. He said the town is cracking down on them because so many have sprouted up. And you are right on the language, it's a free standing library not affixed to a town or any other tree. We asked him whether it made a difference whether it's on the town's property (the median) or our property and he said it wouldn't make a difference. Not sure who else I would speak with.
bigorangesplot said:
@joan_crystal - I did speak to the person who issued the violation and he confirmed that it's because it's a violation of the law rather than any safety issue. He said the town is cracking down on them because so many have sprouted up. And you are right on the language, it's a free standing library not affixed to a town or any other tree. We asked him whether it made a difference whether it's on the town's property (the median) or our property and he said it wouldn't make a difference. Not sure who else I would speak with.
Email each of the members of the TC as soon as you can. Explain the problem and what you have done thus far to resolve it. Follow up by going to a TC meeting. The next one is September 4th at 7:30 pm at the Police Station (Court Room). Ask during the public comment period (actually there are two) for a policy ruling on conditions one needs to meet to be able to set up a little free library on their property.
Definitely contact the TC members. This seems very silly. In the meantime, a large number of sidewalks remain totally unsafe but no one is interested in enforcing those codes.
My little free library is attached to a tree on our property, not in the median. It's not a structure, just a metal box screwed to the tree trunk. I await my citation, although for what cause I cannot imagine, just because the town is cracking down on them because so many have sprouted up?
most likely some brat complained. you would need to change the law to challenge the violation if it is on fact a violation. I would hope that the town wouldn't make an a$$ of itself and when it sees someone apparently trying to do something nice, would 1st approach the person, explain the problem and give them a chance to be in compliance before actually citing the resident.
To clarify, the letter was in fact a notice to remedy the issue. There was no fine levied. I have emailed the township and the mayor. Let's see if they can help.
yahooyahoo said:
Definitely contact the TC members. This seems very silly. In the meantime, a large number of sidewalks remain totally unsafe but no one is interested in enforcing those codes.
and one of the reasons they are unsafe is because the town plants trees that grow to big for the verges; with roots that push up the pavement.
That so many Free Little Libraries been erected in Maplewood reflects so well on our community's values. They are something to cheer about...not regulate.
Libraries are dangerous. An educated populace is a populace that can think for itself and question the status quo 
Seriously? I love the little lending libraries for many reasons. Our TC and mayor should definitely know about this!
A common problem, unfortunately
https://littlefreelibrary.org/deal-zoning-regulations-spencers-story/
My daughter had one placed near her front lawn in Morgantown, West Virginia.
No one complained.
I think they are a great idea but I have never used one. Have you ever, or do you use one?
I opened the thread because a city near here literally has a tree library, that is, a large library collection of antique and modern wood panels and references to the trees and shrubs they come from, growing conditions, how you cut and condition the wood, use it etc. I was curious to see if NJ was also now building collections of such places but somehow the building/environmental inspectors hadn't caught up with the news. 
Guess I'm wrong, eh??
For reference: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-28/treelovers-converge-at-local-wood-library-branches/10033194
https://www.amusingplanet.com/2017/05/xylotheque-wood-library.html examples of old 'books' from Yale etc. Really pretty.
Great news Bigorangesplot! Thanks for updating your post with the information that Maplewood's township committee and Mayor love our Free Little Libraries and plan to amend the code to allow them. 
bigorangesplot said:
Update: After reaching out to the Town Council and the Mayor, Dean Dafis responded to me saying that this should never have happened and was likely the work of a new employee. He says he will be putting this on the town's agenda to have it removed from the code as our tree libraries are "one of the town's most charming attributes." The mayor also responded. Looks like all will be as it should be. Hooray democracy and communication! Thanks for the tips from the board. So much better to do this the right way through engagement and discussion with our leaders rather than ignite a bomb on Facebook before anyone is given a chance to do the right thing. To that end, if you know someone who was forced to remove their tree library, please direct them to this thread so they know that it was a mistake.
Glad this worked out.
"Send me a man and woman of course who reads"
And while we are at it a special thanks to my friend who all these many years maintains the
take one and place one book carousel at the train station.
What is a "Tree Library". Never heard that term before. I would have thought it was a Library specializing in books about trees.
Can someone post a picture?
LOST said:
What is a "Tree Library". Never heard that term before. I would have thought it was a Library specializing in books about trees.
Can someone post a picture?
OP is referring to the Little Free Libraries that have been springing up all over town.
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We have a tree library on our property and the town cited us, saying it's a violation of Statue 302.7 Accessory Structures. From what I'm told the town is cracking down on the tree libraries. I also understand that it's not a safety issue but more along the lines of "the law is the law." Can anyone advise on how we could go about challenging the violation? Is it a variance that we would seek?
Update: After reaching out to the Town Council and the Mayor, Dean Dafis responded to me saying that this should never have happened and was likely the work of a new employee. He says he will be putting this on the town's agenda to have it removed from the code as our tree libraries are "one of the town's most charming attributes." The mayor also responded. Looks like all will be as it should be. Hooray democracy and communication! Thanks for the tips from the board. So much better to do this the right way through engagement and discussion with our leaders rather than ignite a bomb on Facebook before anyone is given a chance to do the right thing. To that end, if you know someone who was forced to remove their tree library, please direct them to this thread so they know that it was a mistake.