Todd Bol has a background in international business growth. More specifically: He was able to help developing countries institute societal change. He had been proven to think big and globally. But this man of social generosity couldn’t have anticipated that, while messing around and constructing things on his deck daily, a dollhouse-size structure he turned into a free community library could have the global effect it does today.
Bol’s prototype spawned Small Free Library, a nonprofit that seeks to put small, accessible book exchange boxes in areas around the world. Users can buy the boxes directly from LFL’s website, download programs to build their own or fully wing it.
The concept is straightforward: A house-shaped box in a neighborhood carries a few dozen novels. Neighbors are invited to share with a book, leave a book or possibly.
The LFL almost always utilizes recycled materials for the custom libraries it sells on line, for an average price of $250 to $500, but in addition, it offers plans for creating your own.
The concept has taken off, growing from 100 libraries in 2011 to 6,000 libraries in 2013, with 2 million novels shared. “That being said, we’ll have 25,000 libraries by the end of the calendar year,” states Bol.
A homeowner or a different local steward, such as the one displayed here, takes possession of this library, which makes sure it is in good form and that book materials are appropriate for the neighborhood.
Small Free Library owners can buy a charter for $35 that places their library in the company’s database and devotes them reductions and information about maintaining, maintaining and encouraging their own libraries.
Bol is most proud of the way Small Free Library is bringing communities together. “It has started a local exchange. It gets people talking and more comfortable with their neighbors,” he states. “This contributes to them helping each other.”
Nearly every library is unique. This one in Northern California was built out of a wine cage that was used.
The libraries operate best in areas where stewards can better keep the box. “In parks you’ll get a box full of reductions for haircuts and burgers,” Bol notes.
Small Free Libraries does custom paint and assemble some of the boxes , even creating memorial libraries for loved ones, such as this one in Houston honoring Donald F. Markgraf.
And there is no limit to the possibilities. For this library, also in Houston, the proprietor added miniature stairs, a drawer manage and colorful Mardi Gras beads.
In Pasadena, California, a brightly colored library has major curb appeal.
Small Free Libraries are all around the world. Go to the organization’s site for a planet map of front-yard libraries and also to see how to make your own.
Poll: have you got a mini library into your front lawn, or are you motivated to try one? Take our poll