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Little Libraries Localize Reading

Next time you walk through your neighborhood, you may notice more than trees, flowers and neighbors walking their dogs. What’s that miniature house on a post with books in it, standing outside your neighbor’s house?

It’s a Little Free Library (LFL) waiting for you to “Take a book. Share a book.”

LFL was established in 2009 by Todd Bol to honor his book-loving, teacher-by-trade mother. Bol set out to build a miniature one-room schoolhouse on a post where he placed books for friends and neighbors to enjoy. So beloved was this one-room schoolhouse that others asked for their own to share.

By 2010, Bol and friend Rick Brooks saw this creative labor of love as an opportunity to shape communities on a wider scale. Inspired by Andrew Carnegie’s free public library mission, as well as common coffee shop book-sharing culture, Bol and Brooks began building LFL into a worldwide literacy endeavor, and established LFL as a nonprofit enterprise.

Today, Little Free Libraries are on every continent, including at the South Pole. They became especially popular during the response to COVID, when brick-and-mortar public libraries were shuttered. These little neighborhood libraries also served as alternatives to bookstores and thrift stores, and gave a sense of discovery, surprise and connection right around the corner. Those who set up an LFL in their yards can create custom libraries to share, showcasing a certain aesthetic sense and good taste — and inviting conversation over a variety of topics.

With more than 100,000 LFL’s worldwide in 100-plus countries, your next stroll through the neighborhood may yield a new book to enjoy. LFL is living up to its mission by building community, inspiring readers and making good reading accessible.

Learn more at www.littlefreelibrary.org.

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