If you want to start a Little Free Library book exchange, you’re in the right place. We’re excited to have you join the network—now more than 200,000 Little Free Libraries strong! Watch the one-minute video to see how Little Free Libraries work and learn how you can start a little library, too.
We also recommend using the Little Free Library mobile app or web map to find a Little Free Library near you. Stop by and chat with the volunteer steward of that library and ask for their advice as you get started.
How to Get Started
1. Identify a Location & Steward
First decide where you can legally and safely install the library. The location should also have a lot of foot traffic and be highly visible to anyone nearby. Then identify at least one person to be the steward (steward = caretaker). This person promotes the library and makes sure it is clean and inviting.
2. Get a Library
You can build your own Little Free Library following any design you like; find someone locally to build one for you; or purchase a library through Little Free Library’s online store. Libraries purchased through our online store are automatically registered and come with a charter sign included.
3. Register Your Library
Register by purchasing an official charter sign. If you buy a Little Free Library from our online store, it will automatically come registered with a charter sign included. If you build your own book-sharing box, register it by purchasing a charter sign. After you register, you gain access to a network of benefits just for stewards, such as the option to set up your steward account and list your library on the Little Free Library mobile app and web map.
4. Set Up Your Steward Account
After you purchase your Little Free Library or charter sign, you will receive an email with a link to set up your steward account. Once you have set up your steward account, you have the option to add your library’s location to the world map and manage all of its details in real time. Your library will not appear on the map unless you add it. To map your library, log in to your steward account through the Little Free Library app or steward web portal, fill in your library’s information, and set its Map Status to Mapped.
5. Build Community Support
Get your community involved! Tell your friends, family, and neighbors in person. Use social media to engage your community. Hold a Grand Opening Ceremony and invite your neighbors to kick off the library in style with a ribbon cutting, snacks, and books freely exchanged! Contact the local paper, radio, and TV stations. Send out a press release. The more people who know about your library and support it, the better.
Follow Us on Instagram for Library Ideas and Inspiration
June book giveaways are open! 📚
Enter at the link in our bio.
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"I guess there are never enough books." —John Steinbeck
Find a Little Free Library near you by downloading our free mobile app at the link in our bio!
📸: @miraculousreads
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Books can take you places 🚐
See other cool Little Free Library designs by signing up for our email newsletter at the link in our bio!
📸: steward Rebecca D.
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Meet Todd H. Bol Award Winner Brentley Alexander!
“With my entire being, I believe it has kept me from hospitalization by keeping me moving, strengthening me, and keeping my mind focused on everything but quadriplegia. Happiness plays a big role in wellness. If you’re not happy, you’re not healthy…. Owning a Little Free Library has shown me that being a wheelchair user isn’t where my story ends.”
Learn more about the winners of the 2026 Todd H. Bol Awards for Outstanding Achievement at the link in our bio.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #lfl #toddhbol #toddbol #toddhbolawards
Coming down from that #LFLweek high! Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate our birthday last week 🥰
Just a reminder that the photo contest ends TODAY, and Little Free Library BINGO is available to play year-round! Download a card from the LFL Week page at the link in our bio.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
More LFL love from LFL staff and their families for #LFLweek! There`s still time to get in on the celebrations and share your photos for a chance to win prizes 🎉 Learn more about Little Free Library Week at the link in our bio.
The Little Free Library Week photo contest is sponsored by @thriftbooks.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
We love seeing our stewards celebrate Little Free Library Week! Be sure to keep sharing photos of you, your kids, your pets with your favorite Little Free Library with #LFLweek for a chance to win. Download a BINGO card, and learn more about the photo contest at the link in our bio.
The Little Free Library Week photo contest is sponsored by @thriftbooks.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
It`s Little Free Library Week! 🎉 We’re turning our organization’s nonprofit birthday into a week-long celebration May 17-23! #lflweek
A few of our staff members and their families have been visiting Little Free Library book-sharing boxes to snap some pictures for our big LFL Week photo share! Learn more about how to submit your photos to be eligible for prizes as well as other ways to get involved this week at the link in our bio.
The Little Free Library Week photo contest is sponsored by @thriftbooks.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
