Plans and Tips For Library Builders
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Little Free Library Plans and Blueprints
Wondering how to build a Little Free Library book-sharing box? Download and use any of the FREE Library plans and blueprints below to get started. Looking for Library installation instructions? Learn how to install a Little Free Library on a wooden post.
- [VIDEO] DIY Little Free Library – HGTV
- [VIDEO] Turning a cabinet into a Little Free Library – At Home With Ashley
- [VIDEO] Red Schoolhouse Library – The Neighborhood Carpenter
- [VIDEO] A tutorial to build a full-size Tardis – courtesy of Steve Ramsey
- [VIDEO] A guide to building a door counter and Library – courtesy of Ben Heck and Newark/Element 14
- How to build a Library with a living roof – DIY Network
- Roof Overhang Little Free Library – Boys’ Life
- Step-by-step instructions to build a unique Little Free Library – Dale Melenberg of Calgary
- A visual guide to build a simple Little Free Library – Little Free Library
- Creative, easy ways to build a Library on a tight budget – Little Free Library blog
- Little Free Library instructions so simple even I could follow them – courtesy of James Zimmerman
- A modified Little Library design with a materials list – courtesy of Hannah Lane-Davies of Kalamazoo Little Free Libraries
- Plans and instructions to build an Amish Shed Library – Little Free Library
- Vermont Covered Bridge Library – Alan Baker via Instructables
- 3-D Print the Tiniest Little Free Library Ever – free files on Thingverse by Colleen Jordan
- Blueprints to build a modified Amish Shed Library – Adam Plavinskis
- Blueprints to build 10 unique Library designs – Architectural League of New York
- The Lazy Little Library – Build Something
How to Assemble a One Story Amish Shed Kit
Did you know? One easy way to build a Little Free Library (or several!) is to purchase a Little Free Library Kit from our online store. Library Kits can be assembled in just a few hours following the video instructions above.
How to Pick a Good Spot and Install a Little Free Library
Where can you put a Little Free Library? How do you install it? The 5-minute video above answers how to pick a good spot, who to ask for permission, and how to install your Library. (Skip to minute 3:45 if you want to get straight to the installation part.)
Are There Rules about My Library’s Design?
If you build one or more book-sharing boxes, please register by purchasing a charter sign for each one. That way, we can welcome you to the Little Free Library Sharing Network, and you can legally use the name Little Free Library. There is a one-time cost of about $40 to purchase a charter sign. Click here to register by purchasing a charter sign. You are welcome to list the name of any builders, sponsors or related organizations on your Library.
We have no rules about what your Library may or may not look like. However, your city government or Home Owner’s Association may have rules. Be sure you have permission before installing your Library (more on this topic here).
To protect the Little Free Library name and quality of the Libraries themselves, the name Little Free Library and its common variations are trademarked. If you want to use the name Little Free Library, you must have an official charter sign and charter number on your Library.
Only Libraries with official charter signs and numbers can be photographed and displayed as part of the Little Free Library network. This is the only way we can track, monitor, support, fund and celebrate your efforts!
Additional Tips for Builders
Our first Little Libraries were roughly 20” wide by 15” deep by 18” high and on a sturdy post or secure foundation. You most certainly can vary the dimensions as you see appropriate.
- Use recycled and found materials if you can.
- Demonstrate green building techniques and materials whenever possible.
- Build and finish the Library to last. Use screws rather than nails, and several coats of stain, paint or sealer.
- If you have built your Library and are experiencing common problems like condensation forming inside the Library, leaks or paint fading, check out our FAQs for tips.
Don’t be limited to building the same thing everyone else does. Look over our Instagram and Pinterest pages for inspiration!