Better does not have to mean bigger

Andrew Carnegie was one of the wealthiest people in the world and he attributed his success to the knowledge he learned from the books he borrowed as a child. He set out to give the same opportunity to others.

He set aside $60 million to establish free public libraries around the world. From 1883 to 1929, he funded 2,509 libraries, paying for the construction of the buildings, the purchase of books, and the salary of staff. 

By contrast, Todd Bol was not a wealthy man. But when his mother died, he wanted to honor her life. She had been a school teacher and an avid reader, so Todd took some scrap wood and made a small replica of a schoolhouse.

Todd Bol with the Little Free Library

The replica was only two feet high and two feet wide, but it was big enough to hold some of his mother’s books. He mounted it on a post in his front yard in Hudson, Wisconsin, hoping to inspire a book exchange between neighbors. He called his schoolhouse tribute the Little Free Library.

A friend noticed Todd's Little Free Library and made one of his own. Soon, others followed. What began as a simple tribute became a global book-sharing movement. 

When Todd Bol created the Little Free Library organization, he set a goal to eclipse the number of libraries established by Carnegie. His little idea far exceeded his aspirations. Today there are over 150,000 Little Free Libraries in 120 countries. 

We live in a world that espouses a philosophy that bigger is better. Companies strive for bigger profits, social media breeds a desire for more followers and likes. But the Little Free Library reminds us that success and impact don’t have to be big and complicated endeavors. Small actions can have a big impact. One kind tribute can start a movement.

It’s good to dream big dreams, but don’t forget that big outcomes begin with small actions. You don’t need a million followers to make a difference. Help one person. Be kind to the people around you. Extend grace to those you encounter. Share a kind word or smile with a stranger.

Better does not have to mean bigger.