In 2012, Todd co-founded the Little Free Library nonprofit organization with Rick Brooks (retired from Little Free Library 2014), serving as executive director until October 2018, when he died of complications of pancreatic cancer. By the time of his death, there were more than 75,000 registered Little Free Library book exchanges around the world in 88 countries, from the Netherlands, Brazil, and Japan to Australia, Ghana, and Pakistan.

Todd spent much of his last decade working toward a world where neighbors know each other by name and everyone has access to books. In the days before his passing, Todd shared these thoughts:

“I really believe in a Little Free Library on every block and a book in every hand. I believe people can fix their neighborhoods, fix their communities, develop systems of sharing, learn from each other, and see that they have a better place on this planet to live.”

He was heartened by the community of Little Free Library stewards around the world dedicated to literacy and community, saying, “How I love them so; 75,000 like-minded people who believe reading defines our humanity. [The Little Free Library network] is the stewards’ song of 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.”

In the wake of Todd’s death, more than 500 people shared stories and fond memories of Todd’s generous spirit and innovative nature. Read them all here. (Opens as a PDF.) Stewards also honored Todd’s memory by placing a silver or white ribbon on their Little Libraries and using #ThankYouToddBol to share photos on social media.