Bloomington opens 'Little Free Library'
BLOOMINGTON— A national phenomenon that has brought free book exchanges to countless communities has made its way to Bloomington.
A Little Free Library, with about eight children's books and 10 adult books, stands tall near the sidewalk outside Clare House, 703 E. Washington St. The books are free to anyone who wants to read them.
“I can't tell you how excited I am about this,” said Clare House founder Tina Sipula, who put up the mini library. “My dream is that the idea takes off and goes around the city.”
That's what's happened in other communities.
Rick Brooks, one of the founders of Little Free Library, said the organization has had more than 2,200 requests for signs for the little libraries.
“Our best guess is at least 1,800 are built and in the ground with 1,000 to 2,000 more in the process,” he said.
There are Little Free Libraries in 48 states and 28 countries. Those who register with the organization are listed on a map on the website.
The idea started in 2009 when Todd Bol looked for a way to honor his late mother, a book-loving teacher. He built a miniature one-room schoolhouse, mounted it on a post outside his home in Hudson, Wis., and filled it with books. A sign encouraged people to take a book to read and/or donate a book for someone else to read.
Sipula said she heard about the idea through a news report and went to the organization's website, www.littlefreelibrary.org. She ordered one of the pre-made libraries and with the help of volunteer Mike Marvin installed it in a couple of days.
“I can't tell you how many people walked by when we were putting it up,” she said, adding she took the opportunity to explain the idea of the Little Free Library.
Brooks said that's what it's all about. While the books are important and the giving of books is important, “The sense of community is primary.”
“I love, love, love the idea,” said Bloomington Ward 6 Alderman Karen Schmidt. “I'm extremely supportive of this.”
Two years ago Schmidt helped the West Bloomington Revitalization Project start a Book Bike, designed to get free books into the hands of children on the city's west side. Schmidt used donations to buy a three-wheeled bike then had a carrier custom made for the books.
The Book Bike travels to a variety of locations, including parks.
“I think it (the Little Free Library) is a very compatible idea with what we're doing with the Book Bike,” Schmidt said. “It's getting books into people's hands.”
Both Schmidt and Sipula would like to see Little Free Libraries popping up along Constitution Trail and in the parks.
The Little Free Library's website provides free plans and tips for building the houses and well as stories about projects in other communities. Brooks also is available to offer assistance to those wishing to participate.