Roseville woman creates 'Little Free Library'

Laura Frikken offers free books to community

ROSEVILLE, Mich. – The art of holding a book, turning a page, even taking a book off of a shelf has changed over the years.

With library's closing their doors all across the country, one Michigan woman wanted to spread her love of the reading the old fashion way -- getting books back in the hands of metro Detroiters. 

"There's just something about holding a book and passing it along," said Laura Frikken of Roseville.

Frikken wanted to tell the original story of reading. So, she opened her own library.

It's little, it's free, the doors are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and it's in Laura's front yard. 

"The goal is not only to get people reading again, but to build community," said Frikken. "I've met so many of neighbors and learned so many of them love books like me."

Frikken learned about the "Little Free Library" movement while visiting her daughter in Madison, WI, where these pop-up library's were popping up all over the state.

The idea of having a mini, wooden school house in her front yard, housing dozens of books inspired her.

The idea is simple, take a book, share a book, even keep the book!

"I actually had a woman write me a note apologizing for keeping the books to long," Frikken said. "But that's the beauty of this program, you don't ever have to return them." 

The library is open to anyone who walks by.

Frikken's grandchildren help stock the books when they grow out of them.

Laura adds a few from her own collection in the "Little Free Library" -- but these books aren't theirs, they are everyone's.

"Reading gives you knowledge and power," said Frikken. "If you can read, you can do anything." 

If you're interested in starting up your own "Little Free Library," click here.

Full Screen
1 / 5