Six years ago in Hudson, Wisconsin, craftsman, Todd Bol built a one-room schoolhouse model adorned with a “free books” sign for his mother. The schoolhouse became so popular Bol made several and handed them out to friends and neighbors, each offering free books to those who passed. Now, there are Little Free Libraries all over the world. As of Sept., 32,000 Little Free Libraries have been built across the United States and in over 70 countries. Huntington is one of the latest U.S. cities to have citizens building libraries in their front yards.

Huntington resident, Ava Bicknell built her Little Free Library in July 2013, with her granddaughter Jayda. Bicknell said even after two years, their library is still going strong.

“New folks discover it every day,” Bicknell said. “It has been so much fun to share books with others. I see people stop as they walk by or ride by on their bikes. People tell me how happy they are to have it.”

Little Free Library’s goal is to promote literacy and help people love reading. Little Free Libraries help build a sense of community while sharing knowledge within the community.

According to West Virginia’s Library Commission, 20 percent of adults in the state are low-level readers.

The Little Free Libraries in Huntington, including Bicknell’s, are located minutes away from the main branch of Cabell County Libraries.

Director of Tri-State Literacy Council, Megan Shobe said she thinks the Little Free Libraries are good alternatives to going to an actual library.

“They are in individual neighborhoods, available for kids who may not be able to go to a county library,” Shobe said. “It creates reading communities in neighborhoods.”

Huntington is home to three registered Little Free Libraries. Bicknell said she would love to see one every street in town. Bicknell’s Little Free Library can be found on 12th Street.

Abi Black can be contacted at [email protected].