I definitely hope to some day! I did get a quote from a rad developer and it was ~$9k which I’ve been told is pretty industry standard for a basic app. I’m considering crowdfunding for that but will hopefully have more information soon.

I have lots of tips about getting started with your own Sidewalk Joy spot on my blog! Here are a few blogs you may find helpful:

• How to make a Sidewalk Joy spot

• How to get the Sidewalk Joy movement going in your area

• Weatherproofing Your Sidewalk Joy Spot

and there are many more!

Just fill out the form on the Get Added page! That gives me all the info I need to add ya!

Yes! The worldwide Sidewalk Joy map is a free resource and it does not cost anything to use it or be added to the map.

First off, we LOVE book swaps and Little Free Libraries! There are literally thousands in Portland, where this project started. One of the main reasons Little Free Libraries are not included on the map is because the Little Free Library organization already has a robust (over 200,000) map of the book swaps worldwide. The Sidewalk Joy movement is for all the alternative exchanges, libraries, and art installations out there.

A great way to be involved in the movement is to visit the already-existing spots! Share about them, make swaps at them, leave flyers about the movement with installations not yet on the map, etc. Many spots like having folks who regularly check on and help maintain these spaces. You can also help by building or sponsoring a spot if you have the time and resources, even if you can’t host one.

Yes, they’re tracked on the worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map!

Both the worldwide and the PDX Sidewalk Joy Maps are run by Rachael Harms Mahlandt (artist name: @PDXDinorama).

This is not legal advice but here’s my understanding:
In many cities there are not a lot of rules and regulations around installing a spot in your own yard. HOAs are a different story of course. Make sure to call before you dig and double check with your areas potential rules and regulations. If you want to install a Sidewalk Joy spot in a public place, you’d need to get permission and/or a permit. I’d recommend asking someone in your area who already has a display, such as a Little Free Library, to find out what, if any, rules and restrictions they had to follow.

As of March 17th, there are over 950 spots on the worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map!