Little Libraries, BIG IMPACT

Tiny sharing boxes build community whilst encouraging reading.

Little Free Library began in 2009 when the late Todd Bol, Wisconsin resident, built and installed the very first book sharing box in memory of his mother, a teacher and avid reader, passed away. Since then Little Free Library (LFL) has grown into a global nonprofit organization with over 158,000 registered library boxes in 115 countries in all seven continents. (Yes, even Antarctica!)

As a 501(c)(3), Little Free Library raises money to donate library boxes and books to communities in need, and as of the end of 2022 it is estimated that over 332 million books have been shared through the LFL network since its inception. If that many books were placed end to end in a line, that line would nearly circle the Earth. . . TWICE. That's A LOT of books!

In addition to sustainable consumption, Little Free Libraries encourage neighbors to bond and share their favorite books. Although the concept is to “take a book, leave a book," it's important to note that no one ever needs to leave a book to take one, and if you love the book you take, you're allowed to keep it forever if you'd like. (However, it's NOT okay to clear out a little library. Yes, this happens, and it completely undermines the point of the library being a source of enjoyment for multiple people.) Though we love public libraries and support them, this is definitely one benefit of LFLs over public libraries -- by allowing folks to keep the books that they find and like, they can build up their own personal libraries over time without penalty. We know that one of the indicators for a student's academic success is how many books that they have in their home. (Source: https://literacyproj.org/2019/02/14/30-key-child-literacy-stats-parents-need-to-be-aware-of/)

Since having become a steward almost two years ago, I've had the privilege of mentoring multiple individuals in planning, designing, raising money for, building, installing and maintaining little libraries. Unlike them, I didn't have any help other than the advice that Little Free Library offers its stewards online, and so, I learned the hard way what works and what doesn't when tackling this project. Here are the main considerations. . .

1. Location, Location, Location

When you begin thinking about your own little library, you need to think about where you want to place it. Common locations include neighborhoods in someone's yard, public parks and playgrounds, along walking trails, and outside or inside of businesses. Location matters because it will drive the design of your library. If your box is going into a neighborhood with lots of families, then a bigger box, installed lower into the ground is critical for smaller visitors seeking large picture books. If your library will be installed inside of a coffee shop, then it's likely you'll want something that can be easily picked up and moved whilst accommodating young adult and adult books. Book boxes in parks usually have a wider variety of offerings.

Additionally, knowing where your library will be placed is necessary to understanding how to keep it in good repair. If it's to be underneath shady trees, then a good solid roof is key to keeping the elements, nature's debris, and bugs out. Living here in Georgia and installing my box in my yard that is essentially forest, I had not prepared for the influx of small lizards who wanted to use my library as their abode. If your library will be on the curb, especially in those areas of the country that get lots of snowfall, be sure to consider the door fastenings and water-tightness of the structure.

If at first you aren't sure where to locate your library, make a list of pros and cons of each. Keep in mind that location on public property may require a permit.

2. Legal Considerations

The LFL website says that, although you are not likely to have liability issues – especially with boxes placed on private land – some stewards do choose to carry liability insurance as a safeguard.

3. Build or Buy Your Box

Whilst little libraries may be built out of anything, and doing so is definitely another way to encourage sustainable consumption, not every structure makes a good library. In fact, repurposed items meant for indoor use often require either more financial investment to make them serviceable or more maintenance over time to compensate for their repurposing.

There are many options to building a library from free plans online (https://littlefreelibrary.org/start/build-a-little-free-library/), to purchasing kits to assemble and paint yourself, to buying already assembled libraries ready to go out of the box (https://littlefreelibrary.myshopify.com/). Kits purchased through https://littlefreelibrary.org/ go to help raise money for libraries and book donations around the world, but you can also find options on Amazon (https://a.co/d/9SUB49g) and Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/search?q=little%20free%20library%20kits) Having a mentor to help you determine your location, understand your audience, and help you select the best design is CRUCIAL at this stage.

4. Start Gathering Books!

Put out the call to neighbors, join your local Buy Nothing group on Facebook (https://buynothingproject.org/), and post on NextDoor that you're taking book donations. Offer to do pickups door to door. (And if you do, I HIGHLY recommend that you have business cards ready to go to leave behind. It's always a good idea to get people thinking of you when they have book donations in the future!) If you have a good-sized storage container or tote, label it and place it outside and let your supporters know that they can drop of their donations there. Reach out to your local library and let them know you're interested in any books that they may want to discard (withdrawn library books are usually great and sturdy options to offer in your sharing box). Clear out a clean, dry space in your home or garage for your "backstock," this is the books you keep to refill your library or to swap out books with. You can use backstock to drive to other little libraries to fill them as well. (We call this "bookbombing.") Of course, there are some libraries whose communities embrace them so completely by keeping their box full that their stewards rarely have to source extra books, but not all of us are so fortunate. Still, it's always good to have a least a small box or shelf of books on hand for backup.

Keep in mind who your audience is for the library, and communicate that need to your community. You will undoubtedly receive donations you don't want, can't use, or are so mildewed, damaged, foxed or dirty that you'll have to recycle or trash them. Don't despair! Books that don't fit your audience but are otherwise in good shape are great to gift to other little libraries or a local school teacher. It's not likely that outdated tomes, technical manuals, or encyclopedias will move in your library, but sometimes those make for fun craft projects to supplement your books -- bookmarks, household decorations, etc. Many public libraries and local artisans seek out old books to do crafts with. Consider sharing those back via your online groups.

Gathering books is also a great way to drum up excitement in your community ahead of installing your library.

4.Build and Install Your Library

Using social media here is key. Share pictures of the box assembly, enlist your community to come over to help you paint or decorate, and invite folks to help install and/or dedicate your new addition. Send out announcements to your local newspaper or community newsletter. Post flyers in nearby businesses or on your neighborhood's community notice board. Organize an open house potluck, and ask your neighbors to help you celebrate the grand opening of their library. You might even want to offer a drawing for a free prize for every guest who brings a book to donate.

As far as materials, if I had it to do all over again, I would have chosen the composite kit. Though it's more expensive upfront, it doesn't require the more frequent maintenance of the wood boxes and posts requiring exterior paint (Behr Marquee is the best IMO). You also want to ensure that the seams are watertight, so consider caulking those before installing.

5. Get the Word Out That You're Official

Register your exchange box on the Little Free Library website to give it the official Registering your Little Free Library grants you access to free steward resources online including the Facebook group for stewards. This is a treasure trove of helpful tips, tricks and opportunities to access free books. Getting your charter number also allows you to get found on the Little Free Library's online map along with the ability to enter your location in their new free mobile app.

6. Maintenance is a Must

A steward's work is never done, but when you love what you do, you never want it to end. Be prepared to check your box monthly to ensure that it's in good repair. Keep your own small collection of tools, fasteners, extra door plexiglass, and products to help your library stay in tip top shape. Keep the library clean inside and out. Watch out for bugs, water damage, and clear away leaves and snow as they accumulate.

Many stewards regularly swap their book offerings out weekly or monthly. I like to incorporate national month-long observances and holidays into the books I offer throughout the year. Decorating your library from season to season is another fun way to draw attention to it. Work together with your neighbors to keep an eye on the box and on inventory, and replace books that are damaged.

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Cheep At Me Peeps!

Considering starting your own LFL? Have questions? I'd love to help. Cheep at with me in the comments below.