Little Free Libraries are popping up all over the nation. One just recently opened in Franklin with an official ribbon cutting.
What’s unique about the Little Free Library is that there are no library cards required, no one is ever charged a late fee, and you may also drop off books at any time.
Little Free Library started back in 2010 by Todd H. Bol which came as a result of giving away 30 Little Free Libraries. Today, there are over 32,000 libraries around the globe represented in 70 countries and in all 5o states.  With the motto a “Take a Book, Return a Book” it has been changing lives by creating more connected communities while creating  more interest in reading.
Franklin resident, Caroline Duncan, wanted to celebrate her 11th birthday in a way that would give back to her community. After discovering a Little Free Library in the area and choosing a book, she wanted to learned more about the Little Free Library and decided to open her own in her neighborhood.
When we asked her about the decision to open the library her mother, Emmely, told us, “Our family has always loved to read and we are fortunate to have some professional booksellers as good friends. We frequently get our hands on lots of great books. It sounded like fun to share some of our favorite reads with our neighbors so Caroline decided that she would make it a part of her 11th birthday celebration. She asked her grandfather to make the library using plans from the LFL website and picked out a paint design using historic design stencils to match our historic neighborhood.”
The reaction so far to the Little Free Library? “Excitement! Several neighbors, from our youngest readers to the elderly, showed up to the ribbon cutting and many brought books to share and left with some new books to read-all for free! One neighbor found a book for her upcoming vacation, an 8-year-old friend discovered a new series that she loves and Caroline found a book that has been made into a play that we are going to see soon.”
“It was so much fun to have everyone gathered on the sidewalk, talking about their favorite books. Everyone was very happy about the LFL and thanked us for installing it. We have many friends who couldn’t make it to the grand opening, but have expressed interest in visiting it in the future and are saving good books to leave when they do,” say Emmely Duncan continues about how the neighborhood wants to take part in the Little Free Library.
To learn more about the Little Free Library program, visit their website. You can also locate other Little Free Libraries in the area. Â To visit Caroline’s Little Free Library, go to 435 Boyd Mill Avenue, Franklin.
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