If You Give a Teacher a 

Little Free Library

“I alone can’t change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters and create many ripples.” Mother Theresa

I always find it amazing how ideas spread and ripple into the world. The idea of a Little Free Library, for me, began when I read a blog post by Kelly Rae Roberts about her Little Free Library. I fell in love with the “Take a Book-Leave a Book” concept and the Little Free Library Movement. Like Kelly Rea, I HAD to have one. Much to my delight, my husband Doug, willingly made me a beautiful Little Free Library to match our historic home. What happens when you give a teacher a Little Free Library?

Since becoming a steward I started up a The Little Free Library Chalkboard Message Project.  Our little corner in the world is now enjoyed by all. Passerby’s take delight in the chalkboard messages, free books and share lovely handwritten notes about the “good reads” they have exchanged. Our Little Free Library is a destination! Little did I know at the time, how our Little Free Library idea would ripple out into the world and inspire so many more!

Jan Plourde, literacy champion and director of the The REAL Program, took this idea and ran with it. She built her own Little Free Library and simply kept going.

Upon becoming a steward Jan invited, Todd Bol, founder of the first Little Free Library, to be the Keynote speaker at the 2015 Legacy Institute Conference. A fantastic opportunity to learn the origins of this “take a book, leave a book” movement.  Since then, Jan spearheaded the building of 18 additional libraries as part of her mission to make literacy visible, to build community and give more people increased access to books in Lynn, Massachusetts.

Building 18 additional libraries became community projects.  For example, this Little Free Library was created from up-cycled materials from the Extra’s for Creative Reuse in Lynn, MA. by students from Govenor’s Academy and the The REAL Program.

Karen Fishburn, garden coordinator of the Boys and Girls Club Garden Project in Frederick, Maryland, was also inspired by our Little Free Library.

As a steward, Karen, showcased her Little Free Library at a yard sale before heading to it’s permanent home in the Boys and Girls Club Teaching Garden. Her story mirrors how Todd Bol got started with the LFL movement. The ripples continue….

Kristen Cotter worked with Jan Plourde to bring a Little Free Library to the Lynn Community Health Center in Lynn, Massachusetts. The ripples continue…

Kristen was so inspired by the Little Free Library Movement that she just HAD to have one in front of her house. The ripples continue.

Since becoming a steward of our Little Free Library, I have witnessed how the little things can make a huge difference. My community circle has grown and I am now hopeful and believe that anything is possible.  Thank you Todd Bol for starting such a fantastically creative movement.

Are you inspired? Interested in becoming a steward for a Little Free Library? Let us know and we will help you get started. Tell us your story in the comments below.