Miranda Paul, author of Little Libraries, Big Heroes, illustrated by John Parra (HMH, Sept.), was the guest of honor at a series of events hosted by Share with Others between September 12–14 in various locations in Minnesota. Share With Others sells well-crafted little libraries, blessing boxes, little free pantries, and related products to advance the front yard sharing movement in honor of Little Free Library founder Todd Bol, who died in 2018. The festivities were arranged by Todd's brother Tony Bol of Share with Others. Paul’s picture book tells the story of how, 10 years ago, Todd built the first Little Free Library, a wooden model of a one-room schoolhouse, in honor of his late mother, a teacher. He mounted it on a post in front of his home in Hudson, Wis., filled it with books, and put up a sign inviting passersby to take a book or leave a book. We’ve gathered a selection of highlights from the Share with Others events on September 14 in the Bol brothers’ hometown of Stillwater, Minn. All photos taken by Tony Bol.
Miranda Paul welcomes book lovers to the “Little Libraries, Big Heroes Party” on September 14 in Teddy Bear Park. Two days prior, Paul gave a public event at Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul.
Tony Bol organized a Big Free Children’s Book Swap to which local authors donated books in advance. Attendees could bring books to place in available Little Free Libraries and take a book. Books with nameplates signed by Paul were also available for sale at Valley Bookseller, a few blocks away from the park.
Paul gave two readings of Little Libraries, Big Heroes.
Kids took part in book-themed face painting and other activities.
A performance by the Twin Cities children's band Bunny Clogs.
This article has been updated with new information.
