---
title: What are tags and how do I use them?
description: "**Tags** are simple visual cues showing whether your Little Free Library has a particular attribute. As a Little Free Library steward, when you set a tag such as **Needs Books** or **Easy Access**, you help other app users learn more about…"
url: "https://littlefreelibrary.org/docs/what-are-tags-and-how-do-i-use-them/"
updated: "2026-06-23"
category: "Stewards & Account Setup"
tags:
  - Indicators
  - Search Filters
---

# What are tags and how do I use them?

**Tags** are simple visual cues showing whether your Little Free Library has a particular attribute. As a Little Free Library steward, when you set a tag such as **Needs Books** or **Easy Access**, you help other app users learn more about your library. Plus, tags can be used as search filters!

For example, you could search the app for Little Free Libraries within five miles of your current location and then update your search to only show libraries that also have the **Needs Books** tag selected. That would refine your search to only show libraries that are within five miles *and* that need books.

![](https://littlefreelibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/search-by-tags.jpg)

As a steward, you select most of the tags that apply to your Little Free Library. There are a few tags that Little Free Library staff may assign to your library if you are participating in our programs or located in certain areas.

To select your library's tags, tap on the **My Library** section of the app. Tap on the library you would like to edit. You will see a list of **Tags**you can tap to select. Here is what each tag means:

- The **Needs Books** tag shows libraries that are in need of books. It automatically turns off one day after you turn it on. This is the only tag that may also be turned on by any app user with an account. Either you (the steward) or the app user who turned it on can turn off the tag at any time. When this tag is active, a red dot will display on your library's pin on the map as a visual cue that your library needs books. [Learn more.](https://littlefreelibrary.org/docs/what-are-tags/)
- The **New Books** tag shows libraries have been recently stocked. It automatically turns off three days after you turn it on.
- The **Banned Books** tag shows libraries that share banned or challenged books.
- 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. Little Free Library staff assign this tag.
- The** Easy Access** tag shows libraries that are accessible to those with limited mobility, as determined by the library steward.
- The **Not Open to Public** tag shows libraries that are not publicly accessible. They may be in gated communities, inside schools, or otherwise difficult to access.
- 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](https://www.unitebooks.com/book-deserts) coined the term "book desert" to describe these areas. Little Free Library staff assign this tag to libraries located in book deserts.

![](https://littlefreelibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/steward-indicators-screen.jpg)