It’s time to celebrate! We are excited to report that the 200,000th Little Free Library book-sharing box will launch in March 2025. To honor this milestone, LFL is granting 200 Little Free Libraries to Title I elementary schools across the country. Each library package will include 200 books generously donated by publisher Penguin Random House to help ignite a love of reading.
The 200,000th Little Free Library box will be unveiled in March at a location to be announced in early 2025. A ticketed celebration event will be hosted by LFL the evening of March 20 at the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul. The event will feature a special appearance by author Kate DiCamillo, and attendees will include local dignitaries, community leaders, and book lovers, all celebrating the power of books to bring people together.
“It is my pleasure to announce that Little Free Library is kicking off its yearlong celebration of reaching the 200,000th Little Free Library landmark this year,” said LFL Executive Director Greig Metzger. “We look forward to commemorating this occasion with a series of granted Little Free Libraries, volunteer opportunities and sponsored events. And, of course, the distribution of lots of books.”
Opportunity for Title I Elementary Schools
In recognition of the 200k milestone, LFL invites representatives from Title I elementary schools in the U.S. to apply to receive one of 200 Little Free Library book-sharing boxes. (A school is considered Title I if at least 40% of its students qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch.) The application at lflib.org/lfl-200 closes on January 31.
Each of the 200 libraries granted will come with 200 engaging and diverse children’s books provided by Penguin Random House, which is donating 40,000 books in all.
“Now more than ever, Penguin Random House is focused on expanding access to books that help readers understand themselves and the world around them. Little Free Library is an essential partner in this effort,” said Claire von Schilling, EVP and Director of Corporate Communications and Social Responsibility, Penguin Random House. “Their network—which reaches communities across the country and around the world—is unparalleled and helps us get more books into the hands of readers everywhere. We are honored to celebrate this meaningful milestone with them!”
A Global Movement
Since the first Little Free Library box was built in 2009, Little Free Libraries have grown into a worldwide phenomenon, with libraries now spanning across all 50 U.S. states, 128 countries, and 7 continents. Through this network of libraries, cared for by individual stewards and organizations alike, millions of books have circulated freely, allowing people of all ages and backgrounds to take a book, share a book, and pass on the joy of reading to others.
“We’re thrilled to reach the 200,000th Little Free Library milestone,” said Metzger. “Like all other Little Free Libraries, this particular installation will be local in impact, but it is emblematic of the global efforts of stewards, partner organizations and Team LFL volunteers to build, nurture and sustain caring communities centered around the power of reading. For each library is more than just a distribution point. Each Little Free Library is a point of connectivity, opportunity and encouragement for those who discover a book that inspires. It is an honor to be connected to such a critical endeavor.”
Join the Yearlong Celebration
You can celebrate the 200,000th Little Free Library, too:
- Share a book (or books) in a Little Free Library! Find one near you using our mobile app
- If you’re a Little Free Library steward, download a commemorative sign for your library window
- Consider starting your own Little Free Library, if you don’t already have one
- Join Team LFL, a volunteer initiative that supports the LFL network
- Donate to help LFL continue their work to expand book access where it’s needed most
For more information about the upcoming launch and how to get involved, visit littlefreelibrary.org/200k.