Little Free Library

Little Free Library

The Little Free Library is a grassroots community movement that aims to promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide. It follows a simple model: take a book, return a book. The concept of Little Free Library was founded in 2009 by Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin, as a tribute to his mother, a teacher who loved to read. Bol constructed a model of a one-room schoolhouse, filled it with books, and put it on a post in his front yard. His neighbors and friends loved the idea, and the initiative quickly spread.

The Little Free Library nonprofit organization was officially established in 2012, with the goal of inspiring a love of reading, building community, and sparking creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world. As of my last update, there are over 100,000 registered Little Free Libraries in all 50 states and over 100 countries.

Book exchanges housed in Little Free Libraries come in various shapes and sizes but are typically small wooden boxes of books. Anyone passing by can take a book to read or leave one for someone else to find. The content of these libraries is usually donated by individuals in the community, making each Little Free Library unique in its collection.

The movement has not only helped to increase access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds but has also fostered a sense of community and connectedness in neighborhoods. The Little Free Library organization supports the establishment of new libraries through its website, offering tips for building a library, as well as kits and pre-built models for purchase.

In addition to the standard book exchange model, the organization has launched several initiatives to further support literacy and community engagement. These include the Action Book Club, which combines reading with community service, and the Read in Color initiative, which aims to promote books that reflect diversity and provide perspectives on racism and social justice.

The Little Free Library movement has been recognized for its positive impact on literacy and community building. It has received praise from educators, librarians, community leaders, and readers worldwide. The organization continues to grow, with new Little Free Libraries being registered and built every day.

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