Little free libraries build community, spark creativity and inspire millions of readers worldwide

The little free library at the base of the nature trail at 10th Street and East 6th Avenue is among over one dozen little libraries in the Durango area. In contrast, Denver hosts over 500 registered libraries (and stewards). Todd H. Bol, the founder of Little Free Library will be in Denver on Tuesday to present the city with a City of Distinction award for its success in inspiring a love of reading through neighborhood book exchanges.

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The little free library at the base of the nature trail at 10th Street and East 6th Avenue is among over one dozen little libraries in the Durango area. In contrast, Denver hosts over 500 registered libraries (and stewards). Todd H. Bol, the founder of Little Free Library will be in Denver on Tuesday to present the city with a City of Distinction award for its success in inspiring a love of reading through neighborhood book exchanges.

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is a love of reading. There is nothing like a library full of books to spark one’s imagination and the great sense of possibility they inspire. A love of reading is usually acquired at a young age through the encouragement of parents and teachers. Increasingly, regular folks, like Todd H. Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin and members of our own community, are working to share their love of reading with others for free by establishing handmade neighborhood book exchanges.

“Little free libraries,” as they are known, are the brainchild of Mr. Bol who built the first little library in his front yard in 2009 and put up a sign that read, “Take a book. Return a book.” Today, he is the founder and executive director of Little Free Library, a not-for-profit organization that tracks over 50,000 registered book exchanges around the world, in all 50 states and over 70 countries.

Millions of books are exchanged annually through little free libraries, increasing access to books of all genres and improving literacy for readers of all ages and backgrounds. Enough to be called a movement, little free libraries are contributing to the character and becoming a part of the fabric of thousands of communities worldwide.

In the Durango area, although littlefreelibrary.org counts four registered little libraries – one in Durango, two up County Road 240 (Florida Road) towards Lemon Reservoir and one in Hermosa – there are over a dozen locations around town, probably more, and they often have a name.

“Peace, Love and Libros,” on County Road 202 (Orchard Road) in Hermosa, celebrates younger and older readers, English and Spanish speakers. The “ADU library: accessory dwelling unit book garden,” at the base of the nature trail at East 6th Avenue and 10th Street, plays on Durango’s ADU 550-square foot maximum.

Most little libraries are pint-sized and colorful, full of whimsy and magic, with some taking care to create lower-to-the-ground libraries for small children to reach. It is hard to visit a little library without feeling like a kid again.

Take a book. Return a book. Keep on giving the gift of reading.