Todd H. Bol, founder, Little Free Library Movement, 1956-2018
October 19, 2018 8:20 AM   Subscribe

'“If I may be so bold, I’m the most successful person I know,” Bol said, with a sideways smile, “because I stimulate 54 million books to be read and neighbors to talk to each other. As far as I’m concerned, that’s the very definition of success.'

He was diagnosed with multiple forms of cancer this month, and went into hospice care very recently. There was enough time for him to record an hours-long interview [reflecting] on the movement he sparked, and the seeds he planted in neighborhoods across America — and beyond. It was distilled into an article that was read to him before he passed away, aged 62, in Hudson, WI.

There are more than 75,000 Little Free Libraries now in 88 countries. Previously: 2014, 2012.

Obituaries: Minnesota Public Radio News, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Minneapolis Star-Tribune

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posted by ZeusHumms (28 comments total) 16 users marked this as a favorite
 
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posted by chasles at 8:47 AM on October 19, 2018


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posted by q*ben at 9:11 AM on October 19, 2018


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posted by dlugoczaj at 9:14 AM on October 19, 2018


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posted by cass at 9:15 AM on October 19, 2018


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posted by magstheaxe at 9:29 AM on October 19, 2018


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posted by mochapickle at 9:36 AM on October 19, 2018


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posted by Inkslinger at 10:01 AM on October 19, 2018


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posted by bilabial at 10:17 AM on October 19, 2018


It's so amazing to me that this concept came up in 2009. It just feels so intuitive, and I really appreciate that Mr. Bol created it and brought it to national attention. I've had a Little Free Library up for a couple years now, and it always amazes me how much attention it gets. I wish I could put one up for my mom but I'm pretty sure they're against the zoning rules there, unfortunately. RIP, and thank you, Mr. Bol!
posted by Slinga at 10:22 AM on October 19, 2018 [4 favorites]


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I am sure thise Little Free Book Boxes were great and brought joy to many.

Free books do not a Library make though.
posted by Faintdreams at 10:58 AM on October 19, 2018 [5 favorites]


I think this is a great concept and I didn't know it came up so long ago - I have one in my neighborhood now and I frequently see people stopping and exchanging books.

I only wish it was called "Little Library" because actual libraries are free too.
posted by agregoli at 12:02 PM on October 19, 2018 [2 favorites]


And yes, Faintdreams, I should have said more, akin to what you said. Libraries provide so much more, that a box of free books doesn't at all compare - altho that doesn't mean this isn't a lovely concept that more neighborhoods could use.
posted by agregoli at 12:11 PM on October 19, 2018


That's sad. The stewards email list message about him entering hospice care was sent on the 17th, only two days ago.

We love our little library and we love watching the neighbors stop and check for books. It's the best use I can think of for the books that are too abused or niche or just plain odd for our local library branch to stock. I often read a book then stick it back in my library, or take a bike ride around our neighborhood checking other LFLs for interesting books to swap. My son loves finding new LFLs to check. His school has one right outside the school library, so kids without reading material at home can grab whatever they want without having to worry that they will lose it or have it damaged or have to remember when to return it, or (for slower readers) will never have to worry that they won't finish it before it is due back. They can highlight it, underline it, read it with dirty fingers.

I understand the disdain from people arguing that they are not Actual Libraries, but they aren't supposed to be. A book you can borrow is nice. A book you can own - for free - is sometimes better for many people, for many reasons. Both Actual Libraries and LFLs are good for communities, for different reasons, and both should be supported. They are not mutually exclusive. Mr. Bol took a very simple idea and built something huge out of it. He didn't start the project to shut down your local library, he did it in memory of his mom, to encourage reading and grow connections in neighborhoods.

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posted by caution live frogs at 12:23 PM on October 19, 2018 [23 favorites]


Beautifully said, caution live frogs.

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posted by queensissy at 12:38 PM on October 19, 2018 [1 favorite]


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posted by jadepearl at 12:47 PM on October 19, 2018


There are two Little Free Libraries on my walk to the grocery store, but my favorite is a Little Free Library in Congressional Cemetery. I found a book on the history of the FDA and a biography of Andrew Johnson there.

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posted by marguerite at 12:51 PM on October 19, 2018 [4 favorites]


I have a little free library in my front yard. I'll have to go paint a . on it today.

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posted by me3dia at 1:29 PM on October 19, 2018 [6 favorites]


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posted by but no cigar at 2:38 PM on October 19, 2018


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posted by Barack Spinoza at 3:42 PM on October 19, 2018


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posted by sammyo at 5:36 PM on October 19, 2018


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posted by bryon at 5:46 PM on October 19, 2018


A Girl Scout put up a LFL at the community farm where we volunteer. It’s shaped like a red barn, and she did it with the intent that it would be stocked with kids’ books. It’s so awesome, and all the farm volunteers think it’s perfectly suited to our missions of education and fun and outreach.

My hometown of St. Paul, MN, is absolutely lousy with LFLs, and my kids love looking for them when we visit family.

God bless LFLs, and thank you, Mister Bol!
posted by wenestvedt at 6:24 PM on October 19, 2018 [2 favorites]


Yeah, I used to be pretty skeptical of these things, and they have been discussed and dissed on MF before. But I recently found one wonderful book of music interviews I am keeping forever, and have since left off a few books and found them gone in a day or two, so I am down with the concept.
posted by kozad at 8:03 PM on October 19, 2018 [2 favorites]


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posted by virago at 10:38 PM on October 19, 2018


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posted by filtergik at 3:48 AM on October 20, 2018


I’ve thought about doing a LFL since I moved to this town two years ago, but it’s only just occurred to me that I live on a corner that a bunch of kids walk past on their way back and forth to school every day. In fact, these are kids who attend the school for “problem” children. I think it’s time for me to make this happen.

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posted by MexicanYenta at 5:12 AM on October 20, 2018 [5 favorites]


Near my parents there is a pair of LFLs, and the one on a shorter post is all the kids’ books. My children consider it their property despite only having visited it like three times.
posted by wenestvedt at 1:55 PM on October 20, 2018 [1 favorite]


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posted by seyirci at 2:11 PM on October 22, 2018


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