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 28 Impact Library Packages to applicants from schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations in November 2023. These new Little Free Libraries will be expanding book access from Omaha, NE to Salt Lake City, UT and many areas in between! Each of the Little Free Libraries granted this month were sponsored by Sun-Maid.
Learn more about where we’ve placed Impact Library Program awards over the years.
Gabby O. — #165514 in Rockton, IL
“My children and I adore stopping at Little Free Libraries. After finding a handful of ones closest to us, we eventually had our favorite stops. There was one library we refused to stop at because the location did not feel very safe, as it was close to a very busy road. This eventually led us to a conversation of ‘If we were to steward a LFL, where would you put it?’
My kids gave it some thought before answering. Both picked our own hometown park. There’s ample off-street parking. There’s decent traffic with kids coming to play on the playground. The pavilion is booked almost every weekend with birthday parties, graduation celebrations, and family reunions. Plus the ball field is busy when Little League ball is back in season. We had drawn what we would love our LFL library to look like. We got it approved by the park board. We had someone who was going to build it for us but it didn’t work out. Trying to find another person to donate time and talent was also a swing and a miss.
Then I stumbled into the LFL Impact Library Program. Excited and hopeful, we filled out the application. The kids and I were ecstatic when we found out we were approved! There was much celebration when the LFL kit arrived, and we couldn’t wait to get it set. It has been up and running for about 5 months. We received many donations of books and are often told what a wonderful addition to the park it is. THANK YOU Little Free Library Impact Library Program for turning a small idea into something beautiful that many can enjoy for years to come!”
Elizabeth C. — #150019 in Dowagiac, MI
“Thanks to the Impact program, I was able to receive a library and place it on the corner of our property. I live in an area that has several families, but we have many more families in the summer due to migrant workers and second homes for some families who live out of state. The library is visited often, and books are exchanged all the time. I’ve had so many people thank me for having the LFL and how their children love to visit it. I love working out in my yard and seeing a car stop out front and watching a child run out and check the library!”
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.