A Novel Idea: The Little Free Library

Walking through downtown Annapolis, or perhaps in your local neighborhood, you may have noticed a small, colorful cabinet, filled with books of all types available for the public to enjoy. These unique venues are Little Free Libraries, and they hold many treasures.

The Little Free Library began in 2009 when Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin, built a model of a one room schoolhouse in honor of his mother. She was a teacher who loved to read. Todd filled the schoolhouse with books and placed it on a post in his front yard. His friends and neighbors enjoyed the concept so much that Todd built additional models and gave them away.

Later that year, Todd took on a business partner named Rick Brooks. The two were deeply inspired by community gift-sharing networks, such as the, “take a book, leave a book” collections in coffee shops and other public spaces, and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie’s mission to fund free public libraries across the English-speaking world. In 2010, the Little Free Library Organization was born.

The purpose of this global book exchange is to share good books and bring local communities together. Bol and Brooks believe that by providing access to free books in areas where they may be scarce, we can help improve the literacy of all age groups and promote a love of reading. In the United States, more than 30 million adults cannot read or write above a third grade level.

Anyone can start a Little Free Library! Ideal locations would have significant foot traffic and would be visible to those passing by. You can build your own structure or buy one from the organization’s website. There are no set rules as to what your library has to look like, so make it as traditional or vibrant as you want!

Though it is not required, it is recommended that hosts register and purchase a charter for their library in order to gain access to a network of benefits. You can even have your library listed on the Little Free Library mobile app and web site.

Make sure to tell your friends, family, and neighbors about your library; the more people who support the library, the better it will do. You may want to explore and donate books to other Little Free Libraries nearby. By supporting other locations, you encourage people in your community to visit and enjoy the book exchange!