國營事業◆英文題庫下載題庫

   Todd Bol, a retired businessman, could never have expected that a wooden container he built on his deck one day in 2009 would have the global impact it does today.

   Bol built a dollhouse-size structure that looked like a schoolhouse on a post, and he put it on his lawn as a free community library to commemorate his mother, who was a book lover and school teacher. Bol’s prototype gave birth to Little Free Library (LFL), a nonprofit organization that seeks to place small, accessible book exchange boxes in neighborhoods around the world. The concept is simple: Neighbors are invited to share a book, leave a book, or both. Today, there are over 50,000 of these libraries registered in 70 countries.

   Almost everyone can register with LFL and start a library as long as the person keeps it in good shape and makes sure that book materials are appropriate for his/her neighborhood. Library owners can create their own library boxes; therefore, the libraries are usually unique in appearance, and there seems to be no limit to the possibilities. One library in California was built out of a used wine crate; another in Texas had tiny stairs and bright colored walls. Once registered, libraries are assigned a number at LFL’s website. The LFL Index lists the locations of all libraries with GPS coordinates and other information. Owners receive a sign that reads “Little Free Library.”

   People say they have been more inclined to pick up a book when walking by a Little  Free Library, out of curiosity and because it’s convenient. Some sidewalk librarians say they have met more neighbors since having a little library in their front yard. Bol is also most proud of the way Little Free Library is bringing communities together. “It’s started a neighborhood exchange. It gets people talking and more comfortable with their neighbors,” he says. “This leads to them helping each other.”