Story and photos by Gareth Kelly ~
Books refuse to die.
Even with Kindles, the Internet and television, there is something magical, something romantic and something endearing about picking up a physical book. Children especially love books. The 
promise of adventures, of monsters and of letting their imaginations run as wild as where the wild things may roam.
However libraries over the years have taken a hit with many closing or having their funding cut.
In 2009, Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin built a small box that looked like an old schoolhouse, filled it with an assortment of books and stuck it at the end of his driveway. Friends and neighbors loved it as they could take a book, read it, replace it and also add to it. The idea caught on and now these little free libraries can be found all over the world including here in San Luis Obispo.
One lady who decided to add to this growing network is Hildy Morris.
“I was walking my dog one day and came across one of the little boxes and thought what a wonderful idea,” said Morris. “I had some scrap pieces of wood lying around the house anyway, so I got my tools out and with the help of a neighbor, built our own little school house and stuck it out on the driveway.”
According to the Little Free Libraries Website (littlefreelibrary.org) some of their goals are to help “promote reading for children, literacy for adults and libraries around the world.” As of today the organization estimates there are approximately 25,000 free libraries around the world and approximately 400 within the United States.
“I love seeing people come by and have a look through the books,” Morris said. “I have a family on the street behind me with a couple of little girls, and they love to come by and pick out a children’s book.
It’s nice to talk to them and hear what they’ve been up to. It really feels like the little libraries are a great addition to the neighborhood.”
It is said knowledge is power and books are full of knowledge. If you are feeling a bit crafty and have a few spare books maybe you should build a little library of your own. For more information visit www.littlefreelibrary.org
Gareth loves a good book and loves anything free. What free things do you love doing? Email him at [email protected] and check out his things at www.garethckelly.com
