I was delighted to find a Little Free Library near my son’s apartment when I visited him in Somerville, Massachusetts, in May of 2016. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
WHENEVER I SPOT A LITTLE FREE LIBRARY, I feel a deep appreciation for the stewards of these mini libraries.
The ability to read, as I see it, is the foundation of learning. But to read, you need access to books. Not everyone has that, whether by geographical location or lack of money for books.
So those individuals who place a Little Free Library in their yards (or elsewhere) and then stock and restock shelves have my gratitude. They realize the importance of easy 24/7 access to books.
The LFL Todd and Susan Bol installed outside the community-owned Vesta Cafe. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2012.
I grew up in a rural Minnesota community without a library. I understand what it’s like to be without library books. But thanks to Little Free Library founder Todd Bol, my hometown of Vesta has had a small public library since July 1, 2012. A Little Free Library. Todd gifted that to this small farming town. I am grateful.
A LFL in downtown Decorah, Iowa.
Recently I spotted two particularly distinct Little Free Libraries, one in the heart of downtown Decorah, one of my favorite northeastern Iowa cities. The library sits in a public plaza next to Oneota Community Food Co-op. That it’s barn-shaped seems especially fitting in a primarily agricultural state. A red barn remains an iconic symbol of rural life.
I grabbed a hardcover copy of James Patterson’s Double Cross with every intention of starting to read the book while in Decorah. That never happened and now the book sits on my to-read pile back here in Minnesota. First I need to finish The Girls of Ames—A Story of Women & a Forty-Year Friendship by Jeffrey Zaslow. The national bestseller published in 2009. The book holds special interest for me given one of the women taught journalism at Faribault High School and served as advisor to the student newspaper when my second daughter was co-editor. It’s an excellent read. And quite revealing.
But I digress.
A variety of books for all ages fill an eye-catching LFL posted at 805 State Street in Waseca. It’s designed as a TARDIS, the featured mode of transportation on the BBC sci-fi television show “Doctor Who.” I know nothing about the show. To me, the TARDIS resembles a blue phone booth.
The stewards of the Waseca TARDIS do a great job of visually promoting the LFL with the library now seasonally decorated for autumn and Halloween. Inside, they’ve also stocked Halloween-themed books. They seem to have a lot of fun with their LFL. I expect given its location along one of Waseca’s main arteries that the library is well-used.
What kid wouldn’t be drawn to a mini TARDIS? Or adult for that matter?
I love when folks run with the LFL idea and get especially creative, all for the purpose of getting books into the hands of others.
A cat watched as I photographed the TARDIS LFL.
FYI: This post is dedicated to Todd Bol, who founded the Little Free Library movement and who died on October 18 of pancreatic cancer.
© Copyright 2018 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Fun memories of Little Free Libraries I seen in Australia, New Zealand (way out on a windswept country corner), and England.
They really are all over the world.
Really wish that there was a”Love” button…..”Like” doesn’t do the trick for this post! Our little town has, not only, a fabulous brick/mortar library (with an awesome library attendant, Liz) but many Little Free Libraries!! The best idea ever!!!!!! Next time you head to Decorah, let us know and we can do a “meet-up”!!!
Kudos to the good folks of Houston for installing all those LFLs. And, as I recall, you have a lovely mural on your library exterior, right?
I’ll keep that in mind should we ever head to Decorah again. Love that city.
Yes….a wonderful exterior!!!! https://houston.lib.mn.us/
RIP Todd. What a wonderful movement you started.
And I love your Photo gallery of Little Libraries,Audrey.
He did start a wonderful movement.
We have a Little Free Library outside our church here in town. We’re a town of 300, so it’s used quite often.
So your community is similar in size to my hometown. I’m not at all surprised that the LFL gets used a lot. And what a great idea to place one outside your church.
Todd Bol certainly left behind a wonderful legacy and has inspired many. Thank you for sharing the love of books!
You are welcome. And, yes, Todd certainly left a wonderful gift for many many people around the world.
One always appreciates seeing these libraries – but in a small town, they are a godsend.
Fabulous idea for a blog post.
Read Lynne’s comment below about how much the LFL in her community of 300 is used. They are, indeed, a godsend.
Glad you enjoyed the post.
Love the creativity of each structure. Also greatly in favor of the idea. I’ve seen a few in Red Wing. It doesn’t stop with books either. I’ve seen one by a church advertising coats, hats and gloves. Great idea all the way around.
That’s a great idea to take this concept beyond books.
Welcome back, Dan. I’ll be by in a bit to view your photos.
So sorry to hear of Todd’s passing, he left a bit of himself in the little libraries that he founded, it’s amazing how this has taken off an flourished. We have them all over Rochester. I especially like the Red barn library, so fitting for Decorah…. a farming community (My uncle is one of those farmers)
I’m happy to hear about the many LFL in Rochester.
It’s great to see all the different styles of the LFL. Thanks for sharing…I have taken photos of a few myself. The one across the street has landscapes scenes painted on it.
Landscape scenes on a LFL sounds particularly artsy.
those little book stands make me HAPPY))))) Such a thrill when I encounter them! And the kitty cat watching you. I wonder what he’s thinking? xx from Duluth.
I don’t know how long that cat was watching, so focused was I on the LFL. Then, just as I was about to leave, I noticed the cat. Cats and libraries seem to go together.
Love the Little Free Libraries and the kitty that watches over the Tardis. I agree it looks like a phone booth.
Books and cats somehow seem to go together.