On my most recent visit to
California, the small town of San Juan Capistrano captured my imagination in so
many ways—from the famous timeless mission to a Victorian tea parlor to the
small library nestled beside a comfy bench on a dusty side street.
Perhaps you’ve noticed the tiny
libraries springing up outside businesses or in front of homes or near schools.
Books are nestled behind the front glass of a brightly painted birdhouse or
more elaborate structure. Of course, there’s a fascinating story (and group)
behind Little Free Library.
In 2009, Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin, built a tiny
replica of a red schoolhouse in his mother’s honor, a former teacher and
booklover. Not long after he made free books available, folks from around town
were stopping by, chatting, and picking up novels or nonfiction to take home. A
University of Wisconsin-Madison professor saw the little library and recognized
a golden opportunity to spread the love of books.
They partnered to promote literacy and reading through
free book exchanges worldwide. As a model, they looked to Andrew Carnegie's
support of public libraries and the popular "take a book, leave
a book" found in cafes and hotels. Andrew Carnegie funded 2,510 libraries,
and they hoped to reach that number.
Once their idea caught the interest of readers
everywhere, they quickly met their goal and went way beyond it. Now Little Free Library (map) is available in countries as far away as Australia, France, and China. Plus,
stewards of these book exchanges are busy maintaining and creating communities of
literacy every day.
Kim Redford is an acclaimed,
bestselling author of Western romance novels. She grew up in Texas with
cowboys, cowgirls, horses, cattle, and rodeos for inspiration. She divides her
time between homes in Texas and Oklahoma, where she’s a rescue cat wrangler and
horseback rider—when she takes a break from her keyboard. Visit her at Kim Redford.
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