Start a Little Free Library

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 175,000 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!

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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

A winter wonderland ❄️

Shop the Two Story Shed Little Free Library (pictured here) and more at the link in our bio.

📸: @goodbooksandbevs

#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #letitsnow #snow #winter
What's the last book you found in a Little Free Library?

Did you know you can keep track of the Little Free Libraries you visit and the books you take and share at them with our mobile app? Get it at the link in our bio!

📸: @allthebookivelovedbefore

#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
That bench 😍 Little Free Library #42293 in Hillsboro, OR has quite the setup!

Find a Little Free Library near you at the link in our bio.

📸: @littlelibraryadventures

#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
Random Acts of Kindness Week in February encourages everyone to make kindness the norm in their everyday actions. One way to spread kindness during this week is to write a thank you note to a local Little Free Library steward! These notes help stewards see how their Little Free Library book-sharing boxes are making an impact in their communities.

If you sign up in our Team LFL hub to spread kindness and tell us how it went, you have the chance to win a free book bundle! Sign up at the link in our bio.
Let it snow ❄️

Find a book to snuggle in with at a Little Free Library near you! Locate one using our free mobile app; download at the link in our bio.

📸: @hugophotos

#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #letitsnow #snow #winter
Fabulous, indeed! That's some incredible craftsmanship at Fox Theatre Atlanta Little Free Library #7453 🤩

See other fun Little Free Library designs by signing up for our email newsletter at the link in our bio!

📸: steward Rick S.

#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
When the sunset matches the library 😍

Learn more about starting a Little Free Library at the link in our bio.

📸: @libraryontwain

#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
Rustic 🪵

Turn any book-sharing box into a registered Little Free Library by purchasing an official charter sign at the link in our bio.

📸: @satrinareads

#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
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