The love is free at the Little Free Library

Photo credit to Little Free Library

"Sharing economy" is the new buzzword since the collapse of "too big to fail" banks and the great recession. Websites are available to help people share their homes (AirBnb), their tools (LocalTools.org), and even cars (RelayRides). One of the most fun and community oriented sharing trends is the Little Free Library.

Click here to watch this two minute video to see how Little Free Libraries work.

The Little Free Library is not just a sharing tool, it's a movement. In 2009, Todd Bol built a model of a schoolhouse and placed it in his front yard in Hudson, WI. The box had a window in the front so that passersby could see the books inside. He built more, each with a "free books" sign, and gave them to friends and neighbors. And so it began. Now there are an estimated 15,000 Little Free Libraries.

These sharing libraries work with the basic philosophy of "take a book, leave a book." You can find labels to place in LFL books that read "Always a Gift. Never for Sale." It's not only a great way to share books and create community, but the boxes are also works of art that create a unique sidewalk environment.

You can buy one or build your own. They sell for $175 - $1000 on the LFL website. http://littlefreelibrary.org/product-category/library/. It's an inspiring way to share and add a little happiness to your neighborhood.

Learn more about how to start your own Little Free Library or find one in your neighborhood: http://littlefreelibrary.org/

Bob's Rustic's in Whidbey Island, WA makes adorable Little Free Libraries from reclaimed materials. They sell for about $385 http://www.bobbowlingrustics.com/testimonials.html

Check out more on Bob's backyard wonders: http://www.improvementcenter.com/blog/hobbit-like-garden-sheds-add-wonder-to-yard.html