When Little Free Library steward Katie Labbe posted a video of her young neighbor’s excitement over a book she had shared in her book-exchange box, she didn’t expect it to go viral. But the post now has hundreds of thousands of likes and millions of views on Instagram!
“I started my Little Free Library kind of on a whim,” Katie said. “I mentioned to my neighbor that we had the perfect neighborhood for one. My mom and my mother-in-law gave me money for my 40th birthday in March to have a library made. And my father-in-law helped me install it and even shingled the roof for me. I had the neighborhood kids and a few adults help me paint it so it we could make it our own.”
Like many stewards, Katie included a guestbook in her library. Patrons can leave notes of thanks or even requests.
“My young neighbor Charlie, wrote in my guestbook one day and requested City of Dragons, leaving a P.S. letting me know that he specifically wanted book 3. I and a fellow steward looked for a few weeks for a used copy with no luck. While at a local bookstore, I had them look up the book and for $12 it could be mine. So I ordered it. And the rest is history.”
Katie says she feels like she just did what anyone would do in her situation. “I don’t think I did anything special or extraordinary. I just bought a book for a kid. And I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Reading to me is something I’ve always enjoyed. I may not be a ferocious reader like others out there but getting lost in a story and being invested in a story is a great feeling. I hope my little library inspires others to pick up a book, no matter their age.”
In a 2025 survey, 83% of stewards reported that they were motivated to start their Little Free Library to share their love of reading, and 49% wanted to improve book access in their community.
During the summer, millions of children are left with fewer opportunities to discover stories and build reading skills. When school closes for the summer, they lose easy access to books. And though public libraries are open, getting there can be difficult for families who face transportation barriers.
Little Free Libraries are always open. Because of these book-sharing boxes, children like Charlie can continue their reading journey all summer long.
Learn more about starting a Little Free Library, and consider donating to the Little Free Library nonprofit organization to help us ensure book access never takes a summer break.