From the Little Free Library organization:

“Todd H. Bol, 1956-2018

We’re deeply saddened to report that our Founder, Todd H. Bol, passed away Thursday, October 18.

Todd spent much of the last decade working towards his vision of a world where neighbors know each other by name, and everyone has access to books. He was heartened by the network of more than 75,000 Little Free Library stewards around the world dedicated to literacy and community.

But Todd was more than just the creative force behind Little Free Library. He was a teacher, a lifelong entrepreneur, a father and a husband. He is survived by his wife Susan, his daughter Allison and his son Austin, who said of Todd, “He was the best, most generous, goofy, and kind person. He taught us to be kind to others. To many he was an innovator and genuine change maker. To us, he was dad. We will miss him always.”

To leave a message for Todd and his family, or contribute to the Todd Bol Vision Fund, please go here.

Miranda Paul is proud to be a small part of keeping his legacy alive with the release of her book Little Libraries, Big Heroes in 2019. The book is illustrated by John Parra and published by Clarion Books at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Both of the book’s creators send their heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of Todd Bol.

You can listen to the October 19, 2018 segment on NPR’s All Things Considered below.