Today, more than 30 million adults cannot read or write above a third-grade level. Books in the hands of children have a meaningful impact on improving literacy.
Studies prove that the more books in or near the home, the more likely a child will learn and love to read. Little Free Library book exchanges are an excellent vehicle for areas without easy access to books.
Through the Impact Library Program, we provide no-cost Little Free Library book exchanges to communities where books are scarce. We’ve granted more than 1,500 libraries through this program.
When you make a donation, you help us place an Impact Library full of books in a neighborhood with limited book access. 93% of Impact Library recipients agree that their granted little library is providing access to books to people who have little-to-no access to books elsewhere.
93%
of Impact Program participants say their libraries are in communities where book access is somewhat or very limited
90%
of Impact Program participants were motivated to start a Little Free Library to improve book access in their communities
75%
of Impact libraries are serving children (30% more than the average little library)
Statistics from a survey of Little Free Library stewards in February 2023
Apply for an Impact Library Program Grant
Are you in a rural community or an urban neighborhood experiencing disadvantages to accessing books? Do you see how a Little Free Library book-sharing box would provide opportunities to provide books, improve literacy skills, and connect neighbors?
If you answer yes, you’re invited to submit an Impact Library Program application. Applications are reviewed on a monthly basis. We use specific criteria to assess applications.
Recipients of Impact Libraries are asked to:
- Maintain the library and fill it with books for at least one year.
- Hold one or more community activities or events in the first year.
- Submit a photo and story about the impact of the library after installation.
- Respond to follow-up communications from Little Free Library.
- Respond to print, broadcast, and/or online media requests when contacted.
Impact Library Locations
Wondering where we’ve donated Impact Libraries so far? The map below is updated every month and lists many of the locations where we’ve sent Impact Libraries. Click on any pin on the map to reveal more information about that Impact Library location.