Some libraries may have Tags. Every registered Little Free Library has a volunteer steward who acts as the primary caretaker. The steward sets their library’s Tags.
Tags are simple visual cues showing whether a library has a particular attribute. You can also filter your search by Tags. For example, you could search the app for Little Free Libraries within 20 miles of your current location and then update your search to only show libraries that also have the Book Desert tag selected. That would refine your search to only show libraries that are within 20 miles and that are located in a book desert.
The Needs Books tag has some special features. It is the only tag that can be turned on by any user with an account. To turn it on, view the Library Detail Screen for any library. Tap This Library Needs Books and the tag will automatically apply. When this tag is on, a red dot will appear on the library’s pin on the map. This makes it easy to see which libraries need books at-a-glance! The tag automatically turns off after three days; the user who tagged it, or the library steward, can also turn it off at any time.
- The Needs Books tag shows libraries that are in need of books. It automatically turns off after 3 days. This tag has some special features (see above).
- The New Books tag shows libraries have been recently stocked. It automatically turns off 3 days after a steward turns it on.
- The Sharing Box tag shows libraries that offer additional items like food and household supplies.
- The Temporarily Closed tag shows libraries that are temporarily unavailable.
- The Mobile Library tag shows libraries that don’t have a permanent location.
- The Read in Color tag shows libraries whose stewards are participating in LFL’s Read in Color diverse books program.
- The Impact Library tag shows libraries that were granted through LFL’s Impact Library Program.
- The Easy Access tag shows libraries that are accessible to those with limited mobility, as determined by the library steward.
- The Banned Books tag shows libraries that share banned or challenged books, as reported by the library steward.
- The Not Open to Public tag shows libraries that are not accessible to the public, as determined by the library steward.
- The Book Desert tag shows libraries located in areas where books are scarce and most families have fewer than 100 books at home. Unite for Literacy coined the term “book desert” to describe these areas.