第 40 至 43 題為題組
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.”
【題組】43. What is a contribution of Little Free Library? (A) The LFL Index can improve GPS functions. (B) It promotes reading and literacy in a simple way. (C) It helps to strengthen library associations around the world. (D) Its location satisfies people’s curiosity about their neighbors.