LITTLE FREE LIBRARY | A Tiny Library That Changed The World

Have you ever seen one of those tiny libraries, no bigger than a doll house? They are popping up everywhere nowadays. You take one book, and leave one book, they are truly fascinating concept of sharing literature. We have seen them in my home-country, Sweden, as well as here and there in America on our adventures. They all look a bit different than the other but they always bring the same heart warming feeling, that perhaps only very bad weather and bad coffee can erase.

As with all big stories, this one begins small. Shaped like a tiny schoolhouse, built and put up by the school teacher Todd Bol that simply wanted to honor his mother, also a school-teacher, with an urge to share books with her neighbors in Hudson, Wisconsin.

It was when Todd saw that the “take a book, share a book” concept had a positive impact for the neighborhood, he decided to spread the vision to the rest of the world. Little did they all know that 10 years later there would be more than 80,000 registered little libraries all over the world. From a tiny schoolhouse-shaped box it became a nonprofit organization strong enough to inspire people that love books.

It is with sadness we learn that Todd passed during 2018. He was 62 years old and left behind a message that we all can adapt, bringing hope and peace to our neighborhood. His ideal world was where neighbors knew each other by name.

“I really believe in a Little Free Library on every block and a book in every hand. I believe people can fix their neighborhoods, fix their communities, develop systems of sharing, learn from each other, and see that they have a better place on this planet to live.” – Todd Bol

He is remembered by his wife Susan, his daughter Allison, and son Austin. Their own words about Todd is a good description that to us describes the ultimate dream neighbor, the one you always want to move in next to your house.

“He was the best, most generous, goofy, and kind person. He taught us to be kind to others. To many, he was an innovator and genuine change maker. To us, he was dad. We will miss him always.”

The spark of “A Little Free Library” still burns strong. It shines over people of all race and colors even today. When a good book has the power to make strangers become friends, we see that the stories we live is the most powerful ones. Your life does not have to be spectacular in gigantic proportions. Sometimes it is enough to build a tiny school-house shaped box to add value for a whole world.

If you want to have your own “little library” where you live, you can find all the information how to purchase one or make your own at https://littlefreelibrary.org. If you have more books than you read, remember that you also can donate them. As a wise person once said, “dust on a book is rust in your brain.” 

If you want to share photos of your experience with “Little Free Library”, please honor Todd by using the hashtag #ThankYouToddBol. We went on a scavenger hunt around Mystic, Connecticut during national library week with our pre-loved books in hand, and visited several tiny libraries in honor of the “The Big Share” to celebrate the 10th anniversary! Dearies, where have you seen a little free library? Or perhaps you have one or would like to?

 Bye for now, and Hej då allihopa!

-Jonas & Lindsay

P.S. You can support “It’s a Charming Life” with a cup of tea (or coffee), isn’t that the most perfect combination while reading, to sip on those liquefied Colombian beans. It is a very easy step to donate a cup of coffee, just click the button below. We really appreciate your support. Thank you so much!