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 50 Impact Library Packages to applicants from schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations in June 2026. These new Little Free Libraries will be expanding book access from Starbuck, WA, to Central Islip, NY, and many areas in between! Learn more about where we’ve placed Impact Library Program awards over the years.
Mason F. — Florida
“I was motivated to apply to the Impact Library Program because I strongly believe that access to books should never depend on someone’s zip code or financial situation. In January 2023, I co-founded The Furman Literacy Project, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to books in underserved communities. When I first learned about the program, I saw it as an opportunity to help bring books directly into neighborhoods where families might not have easy access to libraries or bookstores. I wanted to help create spaces where anyone, especially children, could discover books freely and develop a love of reading. Through this effort, The Furman Literacy Project, Inc. has built and maintained 19 Little Free Libraries throughout South Florida and St. Louis.”
“What I love most about being a steward is the connection it creates with the community. A Little Free Library is more than just a place to take or leave books, it becomes a gathering point for neighbors. People stop by regularly, donate books, and share recommendations with each other. I also enjoy the responsibility that comes with caring for the libraries. Restocking them, organizing the books, and making sure they remain welcoming spaces allows me to play a small but meaningful role in encouraging literacy. One of my favorite moments is seeing kids excitedly search through the library or hearing from parents who tell me their children found a book they loved. Being a steward has shown me how something simple, just a small box filled with books, can bring people together and spark curiosity.”
“Our Little Free Libraries have grown into an important resource in the communities we serve. Across the 19 libraries we maintain, we restock more than 3,000 books each month and serve approximately 2,000 community members. Many of the neighborhoods where the libraries are located have limited access to bookstores or public libraries, so these free book exchanges help remove barriers to reading. Beyond providing books, the libraries have helped create a culture of sharing. Community members regularly donate books, families visit the libraries together, and children often stop by on their way home from school. We also work with local schools and organizations to ensure that the libraries remain well stocked and accessible to readers of all ages. Watching these libraries become small hubs of curiosity, learning, and generosity has been incredibly rewarding.”
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.