Some libraries may display little icons called Indicators. Every registered Little Free Library has a volunteer steward who acts as the primary caretaker. The steward sets their library’s Indicators.
Indicators are simple visual cues showing whether a library has a particular attribute.
- The Need Books indicator shows libraries that are in need of books. It automatically turns off 30 days after a steward turns it on.
- The New Books Added indicator shows libraries have been recently stocked. It automatically turns off 3 days after a steward turns it on.
- The Sharing Box indicator shows libraries that offer additional items like food and household supplies.
- The Temporarily Closed indicator shows libraries that are temporarily unavailable.
- The Mobile Library indicator shows libraries that don’t have a permanent location.
- The Read in Color indicator shows libraries whose stewards are participating in LFL’s Read in Color diverse books program.
- The Impact Library indicator shows libraries that were granted through LFL’s Impact Library Program.
- The Easy Access indicator shows libraries that are accessible to those with limited mobility, as determined by the library steward.
- The Banned Books indicator shows libraries that share banned or challenged books, as reported by the library steward.
- The Not Open to Public indicator shows libraries that are not accessible to the public, as determined by the library steward.
- The Book Desert indicator 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.