In 2009 Todd H. Bol created the first Little Free Library book exchange and placed it in his Hudson, Wisconsin, front yard in tribute to his mother, who had been a teacher. Ten years later, his idea has snowballed into a worldwide book-sharing movement. There are now more than 80,000 Little Free Libraries in all 50 states and 90+ countries, from Argentina to Zambia. Sadly, Todd passed away last year at the age of 62. This article remembers him and the movement he started: “A Tiny Library that Changed the World.”
Having just installed a Little Free Library in my own front yard, I thought this would be a perfect topic for the We are the World Blogfest. May 17 is the official 10th birthday of the Little Free Library organization, and here are some ways to celebrate.
In addition to mine, which we bought from the LFL organization, painted, and installed ourselves, here are some pictures of other Little Free Libraries around or near my home. The orange one to the right belongs to a friend of mine. They can be made out of repurposed furniture or containers, or built from scratch!
The “We Are the World Blogfest” (#WATWB) shares positive news on social media. Cohosts for this month are: Shilpa Garg, Inderpreet Uppal, Peter Nena, Lizbeth Hartz, Eric Lahti.. Please check out their WATWB posts and say hello!
Libraries are some of the best of things on earth. Starting a library is like starting a tree nursery, only the seeds are knowledge. I’m grateful to the LFL initiative and I hope it continues to blossom. Thank you for sharing this post. I am co-hosting this month.
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This is such a cool idea and I’m glad it’s going strong. I have seen a few LFLs around town here in the Toronto suburbs. Since I have so many books, it’s a project to consider. Thanks for the inspiration!
FROM DEATH COMES LIFE #WATWB
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I have heard of some stewards getting more donations than they know what to do with. So far I haven’t had that problem!
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Hi Karen – there are lots of these wonderful little libraries around – and I think in the States where your residential areas are so broad with home driveways etc … must be fun to see the little libraries pop up – there are a variety here … but so sorry to read about Todd Bol passing away so early in life – great idea he started up. Books are just so essential for us all – cheers Hilary
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I just put my own up last month! There are several next to schools and in parks close by.
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