The Little Free Library community suffered a huge loss on October 18, 2018 when founder Todd Bol passed away from pancreatic cancer. The stewards group that I am a part of on Facebook had been the place where I had found out the news just days earlier that he was under hospice care. Since his death there have been so many posts and articles worldwide sharing Todd Bol’s contribution to the world .
It all started with one Little Free Library that was made using recycled materials by Todd in honor of his mom of and her love of teaching. A little red schoolhouse that held a lot of her own books for his neighbors to share started this somewhat amazing, and yes, extraordinary journey of free lending libraries. There are upwards of 80,000 registered ones active now in every state and in many countries. I love to see posts on Facebook with pictures of new stewards who are sharing the Grand Openings of their unique libraries in other countries. A recent one from Sudan just made me smile. Imagine. One man who put up one little library in St. Paul, Minnesota started this. One man.
The original Little Red Schoolhouse Little Free Library design – photo credit www.littlefreelibrary.org
I jumped on the Little Free Library bandwagon last year and had one of my good friends here in Connestee Falls make one that represented the mountain area where we reside. After realizing that our own yard was not accessible to many people I found the owners of our local Whistlestop Market were more than willing to let my library be a part of their efforts to reach out into our little mountain community. My library is conveniently located at the side of their market where it is accessible to everyone who travels down Highway 276. It even has a motion detecting light in it for nighttime browsing.
One of the things that stewards all around the world have done to remember Todd Bol is to place a white or silver ribbon on their libraries to commemorate all that he started with his movement.
My library with a white ribbon and short article about Todd Bol – Founder of LFL.
It amazes me the impact of one man. Millions of books have come and gone throughout the world through Little Free Libraries. Some even offer dog treats, seeds, pantry items and more. The concept of sharing with others grows above and beyond what Todd Bol had initially imagined. I am so humbled to be a part of this great group of like minded people.
One little idea. One man who made a difference in so many lives and whose love of reading and books impacted more lives than he could ever know has left our lives but his legacy lives on. Thank you, Todd.
Before his death, Todd asked that those who love Little Free Library help move his dream forward by supporting our mission. Your donation to the Todd H. Bol Vision Fund will help us continue spreading the joy of Little Free Library book-sharing boxes around the world.
“I really believe in a Little Free Library on every block and a book in every hand. I believe people can fix their neighborhoods, fix their communities, develop systems of sharing, learn from each other, and see that they have a better place on this planet to live.” – Todd H. Bol, October 16, 2018
Links to other articles about Todd Bol and his Little Free Library movement can be found below:
Todd Bol, Creator of Little Free Library Movement, Dies at 62 (The New York Times)
Todd Bol, whose Little Free Library brought books to the street corner, dies at 62 (The Washington Post)
Todd Bol, man who started the Little Free Library movement, dies at 62 (USA Today)
Little Free Library creator Todd Bol passes after cancer battle (KARE 11)
Remembering With Gratitude Todd Bol, Founder Of The Little Free Library (Minnesota Prairie Roots)
12 Comments
Leave a commentWhat a beautiful thing he started! This now even showed up in a novel I read recently.
Thanks for stopping by, Marri. He really did leave behind an amazing legacy that will continue to grow.
I don’t think I knew he was from St. Paul. It’s incredible to think how one act of generosity and kindness started this movement. I really love your little library. I think most of us want to share where we can. This makes it so much easier.
I love my little library as well! It amazes me that so many people really do use it and I have plans to put another one up someplace if only I can ever get motivated to fix up the recycled realty box that I got! That’s my fall goal. 🙂
Even though it’s so sad to learn of Mr. Bol’s passing, it was a blessing to read about the goodness he started in the world. Thank you for being part of the LFL story
Thank YOU for being such a great supporter of books, reading and all things learning! LFL’s promote all of those!
A wonderful tribute to this special person. It only takes one person with a germ of an idea, to create something amazing for the whole world!! May he rest in peace. 🌹
He really did start something magnificent, didn’t he? I just love how the idea caught on in so many places.
Thanks for being a joyful LFL steward and for the link to the story I wrote about Todd and his gift to my Minnesota hometown.
What a amazing man who ran with a idea and dream in honor of his Mother. We all should be motivated by this man. Thank you, Beth Ann and others who have branched his ideal to so many.
I couldn’t agree more. His family’s love of reading and his devotion to making sure books were accessible to all has helped so many communities. I too am proud to be apart of his movement.
He really made a difference in the world. What an amazing thing to do. 🙂