What is the Impact Library Program?
Today, more than 30 million adults cannot read or write above a third-grade level. Studies prove that the more books in or near the home, the more likely a child will learn and love to read.
The Impact Library Program awards no-cost Little Free Library book-sharing boxes to individuals, organizations and businesses located in communities where books are scarce. We’ve granted more than 3,500 libraries through this program!
Do you live in a rural setting or urban location where book access is lacking, even though local schools and public libraries are doing the best they can? Would a little library help give neighbors a reason to connect? If you answer yes, you’re invited to apply! Scroll down to learn more about program requirements and access the application link.
Impact Library Program participants are asked to:
- Set up a steward account and complete library registration.
- Add the library’s location and photo to the Little Free Library world map.
- Hold one or more community 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
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.
92%
of children report having more access to books because of Little Free Library book-sharing boxes.
88%
of children who have access to a little free library keep more books at home.
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 and a study by The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools in September 2024
Apply to the Impact Library Program
We want to award libraries where they are needed most! Acceptance into the program is highly competitive and assessed on the following criteria:
- The application provides sufficient information. The more detail the better!
- The awarded library will be located in a community where books and resources are scarce.
- The awarded library will be accessible to everyone in the community.
Sound like a fit? Applications are reviewed monthly. Apply below!
Impact Library Locations
Wondering where we’ve donated Impact Libraries so far? This map 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.