The first Little Free Library opened in 2009 by Todd H. Bol in Hudson, Wisconsin, and was in Todd’s front yard. His neighbors enjoyed the concept, so Todd’s vision expanded. The program is now global with location mapping and a downloadable app to help people find libraries near them. Sadly, Todd left us in 2018, but his vision remains and continues to expand.
As Little Free Libraries become more popular, people have been exercising their creative genes to make the structures attractive and captivating. You can purchase inexpensive library kits online, complete with all the necessary components, or opt for a pre-assembled kit. Numerous designs are available for free or at a low cost online.
The woman who posts on TikTok as SumBooks loves locating creative free libraries. She offers book reviews, tours of used bookstores, and visits to Little Free Library locations. Using the app, she located and visited the creative Hawaiian volcano-themed free library.
Walking up, it doesn’t appear to be much. The library box is situated on a platform covered in dirt, rocks, and bits of vegetation. In the middle, in front of the library door, stands a black and red inverted cone with a yellow tip. The door opens from the bottom. As it opens, it pulls strands of orange straight up from the center of the cone.
With the door open, it reveals an erupting volcano. Everything clicks into place as you realize how creative this free library is. From old-style phone booths to summer playhouse-size, Little Free Libraries are springing up everywhere. Look up the map and see what types of creative free libraries are in your neighborhood. Sign up to install your library…