What is a Little Free Library? Exactly that — a small library offering free books to anyone who wants them. It started so simply — Tod Bol, in the US in 2009 — built the first one as a tribute to his mother, a teacher who loved reading. His neighbours loved the idea and soon enough Little Free Libraries became a worldwide movement. It’s in front-yards from the US to places like Lebanon.
All is it is a box of books that people can pick up a book and leave a book in exchange. It’s utterly simple aim is to promote literacy and to build a sense of community wherever it may be.
Since it’s humble beginnings, at the beginning of 2014, there were 15,000 Little Free Libraries around the world. The number boggles my mind. They can’t take the place of actual libraries, but they create a sense of community that is unique to your neighbourhood, with the people you see every day.
This wonderful organisation answered some questions for me about their movement.
When it first started, did anyone expect the worldwide response to it? It’s amazing how it’s taken off.
I don’t think anyone was expecting Little Free Libraries to catch on as quickly as they did. We set a goal to reach 2,510 Little Free Libraries (the same number of public libraries that Andrew Carnegie helped create). We thought it would take 5 years, but it only took 2! I think we underestimated how powerful and versatile Little Libraries are. Most people think they’re just about books and literacy, which of course they are. But they also appeal to people’s identity – as an individual, as a neighbour, as a resident and as a citizen of a region and country. They’re a powerful way to not just share your own love of books and topics that matter to you, but to connect with the people around you who also take pride in who they are, where they live and what they read.
What is the most far-flung place you’ve seen a free library appear in?
That’s a hard question! I think the Little Free Libraries in Qatar and Lebanon are my favourite locales so far, but they have popped up in villages in China, Japanese and Thai apartment complexes, the northern reaches of Alaska and Brazilian restaurants.
It seems like it can help communities come together and get to know each other – it’s made a love of books a communal activity in a way, something I think that has been lost? Do you agree?
A journalist for the LA Times once referred to Little Free Libraries as “mini town squares,” which I think is the perfect way to explain how they act as catalysts for community connection. They create a reason to get to know your neighbours and connect face-to-face.
There’s a line that I love on the site: If you need help, let us know. Don’t let money get in the way – it shows such a genuine love of reading and books. Can you give us a quick summary of how you can help people worldwide?
Little Free Libraries are a grassroots phenomenon and always will be – that’s the beauty of it! Anyone, anywhere can start a Little Free Library and share books. As an organization, we’re the go-to resource for all of those book lovers who want to get involved but want a little guidance. From maintaining a world map to providing building plans to shipping books to libraries that need them to giving promotional advice, we do it all. The part that most people don’t know about, yet, are our outreach programs. We donate signage and Libraries to hundreds of communities around the world who can’t afford to build or stock Little Libraries of their own. Anyone can learn more and sponsor a Library for a community in need at littlefreelibrary.org/give.
To anyone thinking about starting a free library of their own, what should they remember above all else when doing it?
A Little Free Library is a ton of fun, but it’s also effort. Think of it like a volunteer position. 99% of Libraries don’t just flourish on their own, you have to nurture them. Tell everyone you know, face-to-face if you can. Have a Grand Opening Ceremony and contact local media to create awareness. Curate the books inside and remove any that are out-of-date. Make sure the Library is clean, friendly and welcoming to everyone stopping by – create social media pages and continually remind people that the Library is there and ready for them to use.
Is there anything you think they should be cautious of?
Be smart! Don’t place the Library where it’s going to cause problems, such as on public property where you don’t have permission or blocking a pedestrian or vehicle path. Accept that not everyone is going to treat the Library respectfully all the time. Be prepared to re-stock the Library yourself a few times, and know that you’re providing an incredible community resource!
In terms of planting Libraries internationally, I think the main hurdle in many countries is lack of access to books.
Little Libraries have flourished in the U.S., Canada, Australia and other countries where books are relatively plentiful but in places where books are scarce, it’s a challenge to constantly keep Libraries stocked. Many people just don’t have books to bring back, so Little Libraries need to be connected to larger organizations like public libraries, non-profits or universities that can continually supply books.
What are the organisation’s plans for 2015?
We will continue to build partnerships to place LFLs where access to books is needed, and expand our programming.
The pictures above are of Little Free Libraries in WA, Adelaide and Victoria. To find out more about Little Free Libraries check out their site and their Twitter.
