Little Free Library / Fast Facts / June 2016

1. Todd H. Bol is the creator of the Little Free Library concept. Bol's vision for an accelerated expansion came as a result of giving away 30 Little Free Libraries in 2010 and watching them multiply.

2. Little Free Library was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in May 2012. Its co- founders were Todd H. Bol and Rick Brooks. Todd H. Bol serves as executive director.

3. Little Free Library is the registered trademark of the Little Free Library organization. The official Little Free Library motto is “Take a Book, Return a Book.”

4. Little Free Library has a social entrepreneurial mission, focused on providing access to books through the expansion of Little Free Libraries sold to or made by stewards.

5. On October 27, 2015 Little Free Library was awarded the Library of Congress Literacy Award for its effective implementation of best practices in literacy and reading promotion.

6. Little Free Library is funded primarily by revenue from the purchase and registration of Little Free Library book exchanges. Little Free Library also seeks donations and contributions from organizations and individuals to expand programs and services.

7. In 2012 the Associated Press declared Little Free Library “A global sensation.” Since then countless media outlets including USA Today, the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, LA Times, and the Huffington Post have named Little Free Library a global movement.

8. In May, 2016 there are 40,000 Little Free Library book exchanges around the world. They are represented in all 50 states and more than 70 countries.

9. A Little Free Library steward is an individual or organization that registers and oversees their Little Free Library.

10. Approximately 60 percent of Little Free Library book exchanges have been built by stewards and 40 percent built and sold by Little Free Library, with total sales of 12,000 units.

11. Little Free Library stewards have contributed to 250+ Facebook pages dedicated to Little Free Library book exchanges, and more than 30,000 Library photos on Pinterest, Instagram and Flickr.

12. Rick Brooks retired from Little Free Library in April 2014. Todd H. Bol continues to serve as executive director and is supported by a board of directors. Little Free Library has an annual budget of $2 million.

13. Little Free Library offers 20+ finished Library models, ready-to paint Libraries, build kits, and accessories to stewards at every interest level. Additional products details are available at littlefreelibrary.org.

15. The Little Free Library Book, published by Coffee House Press and written by Margret Aldrich, features more than 350 color photos of Libraries and is available from local bookstores and from littlefreelibrary.org.

16. Little Free Library aims to deepen its current impact by growing to 100,000 Libraries worldwide by the end of 2017.