By Sara Feldman
@sarasfeldman
With over 23,000 libraries worldwide and 25 in Louisiana, the non-profit Little Free Libraries promotes interaction through literacy in New Orleans neighborhoods. The libraries are designed for people to take a book and leave a book anytime.
The libraries, made out of recycled materials, can be placed anywhere, for instance a person’s yard or a bookcase at a coffeehouse.
Co-Founder and Executive Director of Little Free Libraries Todd Bol built the first library in honor of his deceased mother and feels a special connection to each Little Free Library.
“I built the first one in honor of my mom and now I feel like my mom is dancing all over the world” he said.
The main reason to own a Little Free Library, according to Bol, is to encourage communication within neighborhoods.
“We’ve been told that we are a revolution made for conversation. People meet each other not only to talk about books but about many things. ” he said.
Community members and library owners agree.
According to Linda Prout, an owner of a Little Free Library and an active volunteer with the organization, “Ever since [Hurricane] Katrina people have taken so much pride in their neighborhoods. The Little Free Libraries act as a meeting place where people can gather and talk about how to make their neighborhood even better.”
Destiny Simms, who lives near two different libraries, thinks the libraries are a nice addition and a great way to connect with people in the neighborhood.
With new libraries showing up every day, Bol says “We’re going to have more Little Free Libraries than McDonalds.”
For more information on the Little Free Libraries, visit www.littlefreelibrary.org
Sara Feldman 