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 July 2026. These new Little Free Libraries will be expanding book access across the U.S. and Canada! Learn more about where we’ve placed Impact Library Program awards over the years.
Susan S. — #179593 in Huntsville, AL
“My library has become a well-used, well-loved fixture in my neighborhood. I’m sure you hear that all the time, but I wanted to share one particular, recent story about my little library:
“This is a low-income, diverse neighborhood, and as is so common these days many people living right next door to each other don’t know each other. Such was the case of a house directly across the street from me and my little library. A rental like so many others, it had seen a collection of families moving in and out across the years. One day last month I was walking out of my house to visit with an elderly neighbor, and at this particular home there stood a mother and her young child, a grade-school girl. They were standing in the front yard, looking across to my Little Free Library, and I waved hello as I went on my way. The child was standing in front of her mom, clearly itching to be released, so the mother nodded permission and the girl tore off across the yard, across the street, making a beeline for my Little Free Library. When I glanced back just a few seconds later, that little girl was running back across the street toward her mother, with a book held high in the air, grinning ear to ear as she held the book high in the air, waving it back and forth to her mother like a prize she had just won! Her excitement…wow. “THAT!” I thought. THAT is why I put up a Little Free Library. For just such reasons. It’s an image that has stuck with me ever since, and I thought you might like to hear about it.
“Your Impact grant is, well…making an impact! I’m so grateful for my Little Free Library. Putting it up was a goal that corresponded with my retirement, and in my old age I have become a hobby potter. Whenever I refresh my Little Free Library, I slip in a hand-thrown mug or dish, which have become as popular as the books! I couldn’t tell you the name of a single patron—such are the times we live in—but my library is used and clearly loved and appreciated, and I continue to so appreciate the gift from Little Free 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.