DIY: Create your own neighborhood literacy program

Recently I read a news story about the Little Free Library program, an endeavor that promotes both literacy and community.  It's a free book exchange where homeowners and business owners create little libraries, fill them with books and invite the public at large to "Take a book and bring a book back." How cool is that?

The project began when Todd Bol decided to create a little free library as a tribute to his mother, a teacher, who loved to encourage others to read.

So people can take a book, read it, then bring it back, or take a book and bring a different book back. To date more than 2500 have been built worldwide. That's in 30 state and 20 countries!

I've decided I want to build one too. It will be my first project I undertake at Techshop in San Jose, CA.

For your inspiration here are some of my favorite libraries on the www.LittleFreeLibrary.org website.

A double door, garden themed, hand painted library.

A dog lovers library.

This is one of my favorites. It looks like it's made of used wood, refurbished to give it a second life.

The most clever? A tiny window box of flowers.

Rustic works too.

I can't wait to build one. Will you build one too?

From the article I read online:

"On Bol's website he offers suggestions on how to build the libraries and sells kits for a fee starting around $100. Money donated to his non-profit helps build libraries in needy communities and developing countries. The website says, "If you need help let us know. Don't let money get in the way."