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Subscribe to RSSA Wisconsin man is credited with starting a budding trend that is bringing an old fashioned way of accessing literature to people living in an Internet world. NBC's Rehema Ellis reports.
By Rehema Ellis, NBC News education correspondent
MADISON -- Three years ago Todd Bol came up with an idea to remember his mother, a teacher who had loved books and encouraged people to read. At his home in Hudson, Wisc., he built a box, made it waterproof and filled it with books. It looked like a miniature one-room schoolhouse, with a sign underneath that said “Free Book Exchange.” Bol put it on a post outside of his house and invited neighbors to take a book, and return a book.
That’s when something happened Bol says he never could have imagined.
“People of all ages, men, women, kids came up and just loved the library,” he said. “They got excited and they started coming up to me saying, ‘I’ll build one, do you need books?’”
The idea has mushroomed. Bol now encourages people to visit his website for suggestions on how to build their own library.
Today there are Little Free Libraries in at least 28 states and six countries including Ghana, Australia and Afghanistan. And people from more than a dozen other countries have expressed interest, Bol said.
On Bol's website he offers suggestions on how to build the libraries and sells kits for a fee starting around $100. Money donated to his non-profit helps build libraries in needy communities and developing countries. The website says, "If you need help let us know. Don't let money get in the way."
You can find the little libraries not just in front of homes, but also outside of health centers, coffee shops, bike paths, bus stops and store fronts. People are encouraged to send in a picture of their library so it can be posted on the website. In return they get a "Little Free Library. Take a Book, Return a Book" sign to post on what they've built, as well as a Little Free Library Charter number.
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NBC's Rehema Ellis speaks with Little Free Library creator Todd Bol in front of one of his little free libraries, covered and designed
with birch bark.
Each library is unique.
"I've worked with people who will take pieces of their home or their old farm and they'll incorporate it into a library," Bol said.
Some are made from old cranberry crates, or metal milk cartons, with hinges from old refrigerators. In New Orleans, La., Bol said some libraries have been built using debris from Hurricane Katrina. People will decorate them based on themes from their favorite books, such as “Jack and the Bean Stalk.”
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A local artist from Madison, Wisc., was commissioned to create a canine-themed Little Free Library designed to be installed near a dog park.
And each one has become more than just a place for getting books and leaving books. Bol said the little libraries have fostered a greater sense of community.
“There’s a primal need,” he said, “for people to be a part of their community. We have people tell us all the time in seven days of having a Little Free Library I’ve met more people than I have met in 20 years in my neighborhood.”
In Madison, Wisc., Meghan Blake-Horst put a little library in her front yard. "It's a continual conversation piece," she said.
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Amy Poland walks by this little free library on the corner of her street in Madison, Wisc., every day.
Terri Connolly Cronk, who also lives in Madison, said people in the neighborhood who never stopped and talked before are stopping now because of the library that rests on the corner of her property. The library is not just encouraging readers, it's giving neighbors opportunities to get to know each other.
Part of the allure of the Little Free Libraries, Bol said, is that you don’t need a library card. There are no fees, no fines and no operating hours. The Little Free Libraries are open for business 24/7. So any time of day, people can get a book or share a book, hopefully a page turner.
Now one can only imagine that in this age of electronic books, Todd Bol’s mother would have loved how his story to honor her is turning out.
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I absolutely LOVE this idea! We all have books laying around that we've read...this gives people an option to share. I bet we'd all be surprised at how many people would take advantage of this in our own neighborhoods. What a wonderful way to share someone's legacy!
No offense to any book lovers out there, but at some point in the future we're going to look back at the idea of information printed on pieces of paper in a physical book the same way we look at horse drawn carriages, typewriters, and outhouses.
While this library idea is "cute", the reality is that the biggest library is already at your fingertips every time you browse the internet. Welcome to the 21st century.
What a great idea. Most people have shelves full of books in their house that they have read that could be shared with others. This is a great way to share the joy of those books with others in your community. Hopefully people wanting to put one of these up in front of their house will not live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association run by a bunch of Nazis who will tell them they can not put one up.
Gotnorice - Some people still find a simple paperback book far more convenient and easier to carry around than a laptop or e-book reader. There are also many people out there who enjoy to read who may no be able to afford a Kindle or other e-book reader or the cost of buying the e-books. Then there are those who just still enjoy the feel of reading an actual book. There is a reason that we still have bookstores all over the world. I think the day when we no longer see paper books is still a long way off.
Gotnorice You don't get it, it's not about the books. It's about the community. It's about connecting through what others have read. I think the idea is incredible.
Got
Some day is in the future NOw is now and for now it works. putting one up in my yard. If you wait for the future my may not be here. what pisses me off about downloaded books, is you cannot share them.
We need a app for the digital free library
I through out way too many PM
@gotnorice I'm sure the Romans felt a bit smug on the eve of the Dark Ages as well. Nothing wrong with books even if just for a little sense of community or simple nostalgia. Your right though, our kids may never see a live band, buy a record, record a tape or listen to a CD. I hope they learn to make their own music or write their own story.
Gotnorice, the danger is relying on the internet for reading material is that it is easily edited, controlled, monitored by outside parties. A book requires no power, can be handed down through the generations with no changes. Plus, there's that certain analog warmness of a warm bundle of papers in hand. I'd rather have a nice book on a plane to read than something that requires batteries and must be shut off at key moments of the flight.
True. But only until the battery runs out. Or until you can't find a place to plug in. Or until the power or network goes down. Or until your hard drive crashes. Or until your Kindle/iPad/etc screen gets cracked by your kids. Or until your software gets corrupted. Or until you can't afford to have any of this repaired. Or until you're unable to pay your ISP/electric bill. Or....
No offence either, but the internet and electronic media is a fragile basket to be putting all of our knowledge eggs into. They dig up and read books and scrolls created thousands of years ago; good luck doing something that with a kindle.
Every now and then my faith in humanity is renewed by learning of something like this. What a great way to honor the memory of your mother! It's all about love, and sharing, and community, and trust, it's all good. The printed book will always be here, and here's another reason why. So Todd Bol, way to go man, way to go.
What a fantastic idea. To those Doubting Thomases......................There is nothing, absolutely nothing, like a well-loved book read by many and enjoyed by many. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, like the feel of the printed page in your hand
I have a Kindle for when I travel, but am a voracious reader of the printed page at home.
I have a Kindle and I enjoy it a lot. However, there is something about holding a book and turning pages that is comforting to me. Also, nearly all the Kindle books I've purchased have misspelled words, incomplete sentences or an incorrect word used that completely changes the meaning of the sentence. I think the idea of the Little Free Library is fantastic.
I have a Kindle and two very fast computers in this room. There are also probably 5oo books in this room alone. For all my days I will love paper and ink on paper.
In other words BOOKS. I can take them anywhere, everywhere and read them over and over and I don't have to plug them in or recharge them. Books may end someday, however, not in my lifetime.
And when the internet dies? what do we do when the electricity stops to flow? Books are our past and our future......And yes, I hope you dance....
Many of the small communities have limited internet access.....books are the way to go....
Gotnorice - as someone who uses the internet extensively every day I find your post incredibly sad. How unfortunate you cannot see the beauty in holding a book and leafing through it's pages; in having a book you love that you can take down off a shelf and share with someone you care about; in being able to pass something on to someone that they can touch - feel. This isn't about being in the 21st Century. It is about the beauty of something tangible. I feel sorry for you that you don't know the difference in being on top of things and in having something beautiful to enjoy and share.
great idea.....actually one of the best community ideas i have heard of in years.
Agreed. Since technology is pushing us into the digital age as fast as they can, I say screw-em'. Stop buying print books, stop buying e-books, stop supporting the B&N's of the world, "recycle" existing books and save money. For many, a printed book will remain be the preferred format for the pleasure/relaxation reader.
The problem with today's digital media and the internet is that history (actual and factual) is too easy to manipulate, alter, change, and re-write by the group who has the strongest will to promote an agenda (usually a political agenda), and change/restrict information that is presented.
This is so cool
What an act of kindness! Terrific story!
One the the most refreshing,optimistic, and creative ideas i have heard of in a long time....makes U feel like a kid who discovered a new toy... this is what existence is about!!!! i'll build one in my community!!
Excellant Idea! Has anyone seen a Bookmobile? I remember them but have'nt seen one in a long time.
I agree this is a great idea. My public library has been doing this for years, by placing outreach boxes in all types of locations like restaurants, laundry mats, convenience stores, and any other place that would accept the box. We use donated items with stickers that encourage other to “read and share.” We refill the boxes on a bi-weekly to monthly basis. Our goal is to expand access to literature throughout our community. This is a great community outreach program, but I don’t think it was really necessary to put in a dig at public libraries by saying “you don’t need a library card. There are no fees, no fines…”
As a man, I do not have much experience servicing other men orally. Could someone reccomend a tutorial on this so I can work on my promotion in the New Gay Military of the US? Gay Pride keeps me ARMY Strong!
Paul, you are one sick SOB, buddy. Get a book on deviant behavior.
Paul said, "I do not have much experience servicing other men orally." So you do have some experience servicing other men orally. Just keep practicing and it will come to you. (Pun intended) And might I recommend to you "The Idiot's Guide to Blow Jobs"? It will probably fit your level of sophistication and reading ability.
Paul, take it elsewhere. We're not interested. :(
Paul, From your comment I can only guess you're not man enough to serve in the military. I recommend you do however, pick up a book that will teach you how to spell....Id!ot ! (reccomend ? )
because only men are in the military
Paul - what a truly sad and disgusting post. Clearly written by someone who needs to stand up and say "me, me, look at me." Pathetic.
Paul is a sick kid trying to raise eyebrows. He obviously needs help. Willing to bet he is 14 or less.
I think this is a great idea! Although I live on a farm, I can see how these little libraries would be popular in neighborhoods, at bus stops, etc. Good luck with this endeavor!
PS I have a large collection of paperback books and will probably get an e-reader some day. But I love to be able to physically hold a book and it is a lot more convenient to take into the bathtub!
InTheCountry, Libraries nationwide are now lending Kindles, E - Readers out to the patrons. Give it time to make it to where you live.
Check out bookcrossing.com they have been doing free books for years.
Bookcrossing.com is a great option for sharing, too. If you aren't handy with tools, or you live in an area where this won't work, it's perfect.
While most of the media I consume is in electronic format, there's still something very nice about holding a book in your hands.
The first I heard of this concept is a book booth not more than a mile from my house in Highland Park, California. The booth is a re-purposed phone booth. Fair weather means that an enclosure isn't necessary...
www.flickr.com/photos/waltarrrrr/6012460162/
It's sad that the first thing I thought of was, "Great idea, until someone steals the books, or puts a porn magazine in there, or paints graffiti on the box, etc." If you live in a great community, this is a great idea. If you live in a not-so-great community, one jerk will ruin it for everyone.
Only if you give them the control- all you have to do is remove the offensive material or paint over the graffiti (I know that custom paint one can be a pain to paint over but think of it as a whole new one). Dont give them the power to ruin it! :0)
I have been part of the LFL and have had tons of fun with them and helping to create one (about to do another) AND see all of the new clever ones popping up.
I managed a remote receation site in NE NV. I put a mini library in the bathrooms and it worked out fine. Lots of folks saved books and magazines for me as well as my second hand shopping. The campers and fishermen appreciated it. Yes there were folks who abused it but why punish the other 99% who did not. The snow birds at their areas have book exchanges.
Great ideal the book booth and lets hope it continues. Reading kept me sane when I worked remote areas without power and etc.
Gotnorice writes that "the reality is that the biggest library is already at your fingertips every time you browse the internet. Welcome to the 21st century."
This is a common misconception, particularly among people who are fascinated by technology. Sure, there is a lot of information on the Internet, but much of it is of questionable quality. After all, anyone with the appropriate technological skills and equipment can post anything he or she wants, with little regard for accuracy, logic, fairness, documentation, etc. Even Web sites one would expect to be reliable often feature poorly written or edited articles. When you consider how much information news sites are obliged to produce to stay competitive with all of the other news sites, it is no wonder articles are churned out more quickly than perhaps is wise--especially when errors can always be corrected later.
Printed resources can contain mistakes, as well. But the fact that a printed sheet cannot be magically altered after it has been distributed encourages those producing such works to carefully review their efforts before publication.
And some information, even if available through the Internet, is not offered for free. Credible information can be expensive to produce and publish because it requires research, perhaps peer review, and certainly careful editing. While authors usually want to disseminate their work as broadly as possible and publishers have similar goals, both parties need to be compensated for their efforts--if only to cover the costs of publication. Of course, the creation of information or ideas is the livelihood of many individuals, whether they are producing non-fiction or fiction. They are not going to just give their work away. Advertising is not always an option, either, since advertisers can be viewed as having an influence over the content of an article whether that is or is not the case. Scholarly works, in particular, are typically published without the funding of advertising lest the trustworthiness of the work be questioned.
One service traditional libraries provide, besides books, is access to databases that contain information that is not available free for the searching on the Internet. You go to the library to use the database, or often you can access the database from a remote location by signing in to your library's Web site with the identification number on your library card.
The Little Free Libraries discussed in this article are a great way for people in a community to share their love of reading with others. Books have lost some well-deserved respect in light of newer, shinier technology. Let's not forget how many centuries books or other printed material have served our cultures (although some cultures, of course, maintain oral traditions). A book published three-hundred years ago is still readable today, as long as one has the skills to interpret the font and the language. Books remain a viable technology, even though electronic reading options are now also available.
I just hope that those who use Little Free Libraries also support their local traditional libraries, which offer a larger range of resources (including books, purchased electronic resources, DVDs, etc.), as well as reference assistance, and programming. There is room in our communities for both types of libraries.
Remember to read critically today!
Good Post, although I doubt many took the time or patience to read something with multisyllabic words.
One thing I wish would happen is a simplification and standardization of using local Library online resources. I not only use computers all day, every day, but I build them as well, but I have not had much luck finding information on the online library services. And, I consider myself somewhat more persistent than many, if not most in accomplishing these tasks, but in this case I am either too much of a "noobie" or I'm just not getting it.
What an absolutely fabulous concept and the best part is it only involves people and their communities. No government involvement. I hate to say this but let's see how long any government agency can resist the temptation to attempt to regulate a secural, community activity that doesn't involve food or any known health or safety hazard.
I love the internet. I love my NOOK TABLET!
That being said, I've had minimal use for the actual "book" function on said device. It is convenient, but kind of awkward. There is something nice about an actual book in your hands.
And, as others have pointed out, our nooks, kindles, Ipads, and soon to be windows 8 tablets--GO MICROSOFT let the steamroller process begin...LOL--will be useless piles of electronic garbage in a few short years, or maybe months. They won't be around in one hundred years, but some of Grandma's books might...
LOL.
I find it interesting that the arguments against digital books boil down to two things: one, that printed books are higher quality, and two, that they provide a visceral experience that digital ones do not.
The higher quality argument is nonsense, to which I have a two word rebuttal: Harlequin Romance. Having a copy editor may help eliminate sentence fragments and misspelled words, but it does nothing to improve the strength of an author's ideas or his ability to turn a phrase. Also, the dark side of requiring an editor to approve everything is that those editors now limit what you can and cannot read. At best the limitation is the speed at which they can edit; at worst, you are now subject to the whims of their likes and dislikes, their political or social or religious views. The online world may have lower lows but it can also have higher highs, and the lack of editing is a feature, not a bug. In the end, it always comes down to the strength of the writer, which is not affected by the medium in which he chooses to publish.
The tactile experience argument isn't really an argument; it is a statement of personal preference and as such is not really subject to debate. Have you ever considered, though, that the reason you love the feel of a book is because you have a long association of good memories with it? It doesn't have anything to do with the form factor itself. I'm sure when Gutenberg came along there were people waxing nostalgic about the good old days and how a printed book could never match the warm, personalized feel of one that was written out by hand.
Snarking about power outages etc. isn't an argument, either. Any physical device has limitations. I could make a waterproof e-reader (or a case for one that wasn't), but trying reading a paper book in the rain. Or in the dark when that power outage hits. Oh, you could read by candlelight, just don't get too close and set the thing on fire. Yes, that is a silly argument... just like ones about batteries.
Thank you Todd Bol by using their creativity to start the true network of the knowledge person to person by integrating human beings in a direct touch full of affection.
Todd Bol; Warrior hero in this daily struggle against the indifference and the apathy that is dominant in these times in the world.
Thank you!
I have been working in several fields of information technology for almost 20 years. I love electronic media.. music and video files (or streaming music and video) even e-books (I have a Kindle Fire tablet). However, I know that I would not be doing this today, if I did not start learning how to put a computer together and just what the fundamental parts of a computer was at the time, without reading a good book about it. You can embrace both sides... e-books and real books. Just plain reading and "sharing knowledge" is the main thing here. I really like the idea of Little Free Libraries. It's a win / win for everyone involved.
I am a retired Children's Librarian. After retiring.......many years after.........I was in a hotel not far from my home when a young man (in his 30's) with wife and children in tow, walked up to me and reintroduced himself to me. I had not seen him since he was 12. He introduced his wife and children to me and then, with a big smile on his face, said to his wife "This is the woman who taught me to love books."
My entire working life was worth this one moment. I will never forget it. There are many out there (young and old), who love books.
This is a beautiful idea! I'd love to start something like this in my neighborhood. The only thing is, I don't know if anybody else would be interested. There;s a near-by park where the swimming already has a take-a-book, leave-a-book donation program where the books are all free.
Cool Idea!
I have just enough room in my drive for something like this.
And since everyone uses my drive for a turnaround anyway, this might just work out.