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 30-second 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.
Sign up below to get your Free Insider’s Guide To Starting A Little Free Library!
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
Meet Todd H. Bol Award Winner Katie Frazier!
“I’ve noticed a record number of books taken on the Free Day, in comparison to any other day of the month,” Frazier said. “Some days, the library is completely empty. I’ve embraced the love and desire to read—so much so, I helped a mother of three stuff her purse full with books.”
Learn more about the winners of the 2025 Todd H. Bol Awards for Outstanding Achievement at the link in our bio.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #lfl #toddhbol #toddbol #toddhbolawards
Reading the rainbow, this month and ALWAYS 🌈
Get Pride Month reading recs from our Read in Color Recommended Reading lists at the link in our bio.
📸: @rockwellreads
🏠: #196316
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #pride #pridemonth #lgbtq
It`s giving PRIDE 🌈
Read the rainbow this month with our Read in Color Recommended Reading lists (link in bio).
📸: @littlefreelibrary204808
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #pride #pridemonth #lgbtq
Could this library BEE any cooler?! 🐝 We can`t stop buzzing about Barnabee Little Free Library #186608 in DeWitt, IA!
See other cool library designs by signing up for our email newsletter at the link in our bio.
📸: steward Mimi B.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
Meet Todd H. Bol Award Winner Kristen Berthiaume!
“Often, when I tell people my family has a Little Free Library with the word ‘Antiracist’ in its name, they are very surprised to learn we’re located in Alabama,” said Kristen. “Friends have expressed worry for our safety and have asked about negative feedback or anger from neighbors. Fortunately, we’ve gotten almost exclusively positive comments and ‘thank yous’ from people online and passing by.”
Learn more about the winners of the 2025 Todd H. Bol Awards for Outstanding Achievement at the link in our bio.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #lfl #toddhbol #toddbol #toddhbolawards
GMA’s book club pick for June is ATMOSPHERE by TAYLOR JENKINS REID! There are copies of the book in Little Free Library book-sharing boxes across the U.S. and Canada.
Learn more about the book and how to find a copy near you at the link in our bio.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #gma #goodmorningamerica #gmabookclub #atmosphere #taylorjenkinsreid #bookstagram
TREEat yourself to a new book at a Little Free Library! 🌳
Turn any book-sharing box into a registered Little Free Library by purchasing an official charter sign at the link in our bio.
📸: @seekeroflittlefreelibraries
🏠: #7874
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
Such a good boy 🐶
Shop the Composite Two Story Blue Little Free Library and Add On Mini Shed (both pictured here) and more at the link in our bio.
📸: @kelsey_elsie
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
