History
The movement was first launched in 2009 in Wisconsin by a man named Tod Bol.
Bol built a structure resembling a small schoolhouse in the front yard of his home in Hudson, and he encouraged neighbors and community members to borrow and return books from his miniature library.
Bol said that "children and adults alike began making regular visits to his library, and it seemed to stimulate and fulfill an intrinsic need to connect with each other in an authentic way."
"Little Free Libraries provide neighbors a way to share their love of reading, develop interests and share their passions across all demographics."
The Vision
The vision in the previous section is exactly what former Sulphur Regional Library Branch Manager, Esther Pennington had in mind when she approached former Director of Sulphur Parks and Recreation, Norman Farr about a local Little Free Library.
“The beautiful park, The Grove of Heritage Square, offered the perfect location and setting for the Little Free Library and the perfect opportunity for community partnership that would improve access to reading materials, promote a sense of community beyond the wall so the library and promote literacy and a love of reading", said Pennington. “We hope residents will enjoy a stroll in the park and stop by the Little Free Library to browse the selection of materials provided primarily by donations. It is everyone’s library."
We also want to give a big SHOUT OUT, and THANKS to Karl Matte, carpenter for the Sulphur Little Free Library. As of February 2013, all 50 states and 40 countries worldwide had been involved in the LFL literacy program. As of 2013, there were 5,000 registered Little Free Libraries in the world, with an estimated 1,000 unregistered. The Little Free Library in Sulphur is among the registered libraries and is on the World Map for Little Free Libraries. Find out more about the Little Free Library movement in the United States and worldwide.
