Little Free Libraries: Helping the World (Re)Discover the Joys of Reading
Take a book, return a book. That’s the motto of the Little Free Library, the book sharing movement which is quickly gaining popularity and encouraging people worldwide to (re)discover the joy of reading.
Little Free Library began in 2009, when Wisconsin resident Todd Bol constructed a model of a one-room schoolhouse in tribute to his mother, a former school teacher who loved to read. Bol filled the little schoolhouse with books, attached a Free Books sign, and placed the model in his front yard. He said the library became so popular that he started building other mini libraries and giving them away to friends and neighbors.
Soon thereafter, Bol met Rick Brooks at a seminar on green practices and social enterprises. The two discussed Bol’s little libraries – and saw an opportunity to do ‘something good’ for the community. The men say they were inspired by historical figure Lutie Stearns, who from 1895-1914 crisscrossed Wisconsin in a horse-drawn wagon filled with little libraries, donating books to 1400 different locations. “Todd showed me the library he built in the memory of his mother… Almost everyone who saw it said ‘that’s neat, I’d like one of those’ and the movement was born, in a way, just person by person,” said Rick Brooks in the documentary A Simple Wooden Box: The Little Free Library Movement.
Initially, Bol and Brooks set a goal of 2,510 Little Free Libraries (to match the number of libraries supported by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie). Currently, there are more than 100,000 Little Free Libraries in 100 countries, with thousands more libraries being built each year. Millions books have been donated to Little Free Library. “Part of the reason it’s been such a phenomenon is it’s a door open to show you how much people really want to engage with each other… the Little Free Library is just a little key opening to something we know we all need,” commented Bol in A Simple Wooden Box.
The mission of Little Free Library is to promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide, and to build a sense of community by sharing skills, creativity, and wisdom across generations. Getting involved is simple. Anyone interested in installing a Little Free Library can register as a Little Free Library “Steward” through the organization’s website, littlefreelibrary.org. People can construct their own libraries or order a pre-built kit. Signs, plaques, and other Little Free Library accessories are available for purchase through the website. Many people chose to construct their own libraries, either as a family or a community project.
“I enjoyed the whole process of designing the box, building it, and installing it. I built the box out of leftover materials at my home [and then] invited the neighborhood to an unveiling party. My only request from them was to bring a good book of their choosing,” says Marietta Steward Kit Boden.
“Being new to the community, I thought this would be an interesting way of engaging with our new neighbors… [Also], my nine-year-old daughter loves books so this is an opportunity for some father-daughter bonding,” said Dunwoody Steward Timothy Orr. “It was a nice project to build a library. I’ve had several people stop and thank me for taking the time to set it up.”
People can also get involved with Little Free Library by sponsoring a library. Those interested can make a donation to the GIFT Fund, which helps cover the costs of libraries, books, and signs. Funds can also be contributed via the website toward the programs “Books for Africa” or “Little Free Library for a Small Town.” Recently, AARP awarded the Little Free Library organization a $70,000 grant to address the need for connections with socially-isolated adults. Little Free Library’s new Touch Points Project helps plan neighborhood reading-related activities, book exchanges, as well as friendly visits and discussions. The program helps engage older adults and build community through the common interest of reading.
The Little Free Library Movement, in its mission to inspire a love of literature, has also gained popularity in Georgia. You can visit littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap for an interactive map of all Little Free Libraries across the state. Many of those who have constructed libraries at their homes or businesses say they have a passion for books, and are advocates of reading.
“I heard out my house window ‘Mom they have books!’ as small children came running down our cul-de-sac with their parents in tow, so excited. To me, that was the perfect way to start off our Library,” said Dunwoody Steward Elizabeth Lee Smith.
“I loved the idea of being able to share books with my [hardware store] customers. Our library is accessible even when we are closed, and many a time I have ridden by after-hours to see someone perusing the titles,” said Smyrna Steward Susan Harlan. “Once, a burly looking construction-type man asked me about the library… he got a big smile on his face, said he loved to read romance novels, and had just seen one he’d like to borrow.”
“Building my Little Free Library was a great pleasure. Stocking it was a great pleasure,” said Sandy Springs Steward David Carr, a retired University of North Carolina Professor of Library and Information Science. “Everything I’ve put out there is something I’ve read, and I know about the quality of the reading experience. I’m helping people think about reading. Helping them find places in books.”
This article originally appeared in TAGGED Magazine.