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.
As a steward, you select the tags that apply to your Little Free Library. To do so, 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 30 days after you turn it on.
- The New Books tag shows libraries have been recently stocked. It automatically turns off 3 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.
- 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 coined the term “book desert” to describe these areas. They maintain a book desert map and have kindly shared their data with us.
