Winnipeg, MB - On September 27 and 28, the Winnipeg Public Library celebrates libraries both big and small with the Free Little Library Weekend. The co-founder of the Little Free Library movement, Todd Bol, will be on hand to help celebrate.
What is a Little Free Library? Little Free Libraries aim to promote the culture of reading by building book exchanges worldwide. A Little Free Library is a small book shelter that operates on a “take a book, return a book” premise. Built and overseen by members of the community, Little Free Libraries are also creative, personalized pieces of local art.
“Little Free Libraries are about neighbourhoods stepping up to make a difference,” says Todd Bol. “It is about grassroots community empowerment.”
Bol began the Little Free Library movement in 2009; to date, there are more than 20,000 Little Free Libraries in 72 countries around the world, including 25 in Winnipeg.
The Little Free Library weekend coincides with Culture Days (September 26 to 28, 2014), a free, three-day celebration of art and culture across the country.
Little Free Library Weekend Events
“Building Community with Little Free Libraries” with Todd Bol
When: Saturday, September 27 at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Millennium Library, Carol Shields Auditorium
“So you want to be a Little Free Library Steward?” hosted by a panel of Winnipeg Little Free Library owners
When: Saturday, September 27 at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Millennium Library, Carol Shields Auditorium
Trolley tour of Winnipeg’s Little Free Libraries, featuring stories and library trivia
When: Sunday, September 28 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Registration is limited. Please contact Reader Services at Millennium Library at 204-986-6779 to reserve your spot.
Background information:
Little Free Library is a US-based nonprofit organization committed to building literacy, community, and creativity through encouraging reading. They have been called “a global sensation” by the New York Times and one of “50 Surprising Things We Love about America” by Readers Digest. In addition, they have been featured on CNN, NPR, and hundreds of newspapers and magazines. Special awards include a 2014 Daily Point of Light Award from the White House and the Innovation in Reading Prize from the National Book Foundation.
For more information on Little Free Libraries, please visit Little Free Library.