Little Free Library’s Impact Library Program provides no-cost Little Free Library book-sharing boxes to underserved communities where they can make a meaningful impact on book access and literacy engagement. This month we heard from two stewards who were previously granted libraries through our Impact Library Program and wanted to share their stories.
Additionally, we granted 24 Impact Library Packages to applicants from schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations in April 2024. These new Little Free Libraries will be expanding book access from Palm Harbor, FL to Norton Shores, MI and many areas in between! Learn more about where we’ve placed Impact Library Program awards over the years.
Robin S. — #173746 in Manchester, NH
“Edward, my 89 year old father, built my first Little Free Library—a replica of the Parthenon. My neighborhood in Manchester, NH is defined by its multifamily housing and diverse population. Ed’s beloved Parthenon library became a daily stop for local families as well as our octogenarian French Canadian neighbors, of which we have many. Even though our library was too small for anything larger than paperbacks and smaller sized hardback books, it served the us well until it, sadly, fell apart. We received our Impact Library in September and were thrilled to include picture books and larger tomes to our library’s offerings. Our elderly neighbors are already knitting mittens and slippers for the children, and local artists are creating fun bookmarks and stickers.”
Kaylene S. — #169964 in Linneus, ME
“My Little Free Library was installed last summer. The LFL has impacted the neighborhood already. Neighborhood teens are excited to see what new books are available. Younger kids ride their bicycles up to the LFL to make their selections. Some of the people who visit do not have access to transportation and cannot drive to the public library 10 miles away. I have noticed the neighbors have become friendly, talkative, and more concerned with the well-being of others in the community. We walk every evening, and for four years, neighbors would turn away to avoid having to speak or wave to others in the community. There has been a noticeable difference in the behaviors beginning last summer.”
Help us bring Little Free Libraries full of books where they’re needed most. Donate today! When you donate, you help us provide libraries to communities like these.