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
@oprah`s got a message for Little Free Library stewards 🤗
@oprahsbookclub celebrates 30 years this month, and they`re celebrating some of the incredible readers and authors they’ve met along the way. They`re are also recognizing those who have been instrumental in supporting books overall—and that includes Little Free Library and the incredible stewards around the country!
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #oprah #oprahsbookclub
According to a new study, Little Free Library`s Indigenous Library Program significantly increases access to books, helps overcome major transportation barriers, and supports more frequent reading among families and children.
Among the findings:
➤ 89% of respondents say they have access to more books because of Little Free Library book-sharing boxes
➤ 96% find books they are excited to read
➤ 38% of families with children report reading more since using the book boxes
➤ The book boxes reduce the average distance families must travel to access books by approximately 68 miles, avoiding an estimated $40 in transportation costs per trip to an off-Nation public or school library
➤ 100% of families surveyed say it is important for Indigenous children to see their identity, culture, and values reflected in books by Indigenous authors
Learn more at the link in our bio.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #literacy #bookaccess
"My Little Free Library was the spark to my latest art adventure, it is the first place my silly doodles came to life. But moreso, it’s the place I see children (and adults!) from all over the neighborhood stop to grab a book and leave with a smile. It is a source of ✨something more ✨ that I get to be a part of, and for that I am filled with joy." —steward Meg Farrell Buckingham
Spark JOY by starting a Little Free Library! Learn more at the link in our bio.
📸: @megfbuckart
🏠: #173017 in Knightdale, NC
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
The details 😍
Turn any book-sharing box into a registered Little Free Library by purchasing an official charter sign at the link in our bio!
📸: @yeahkaren
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
We`re totally ON BOARD with this (not so little) Little Free Library 🚢
See other cool library designs by signing up for our email newsletter at the link in our bio!
📸: @_the_next_chapter
📍Victoria, BC
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
🎉GIVEAWAY🎉
Banned Books Week is October 4-10, so it`s time to start getting ready! We want to help you stock your Little Free Library book-sharing box (or one in your neighborhood) so that you can help us celebrate access to ALL books! 🔥
Ten lucky stewards and fans will win a $100 gift card to Better World Books! And great news: Better World Books ships INTERNATIONALLY! 🌍
To ENTER:
1. Like this post
2. Follow @littlefreelibrary
3. Comment with the title of your favorite banned book (extra credit if you explain why everyone should read it!)
Giveaway ends September 20 at 11:59 p.m. CT. Winners will be notified by DM from @littlefreelibrary. No purchase necessary. Open to residents of any country where Better World Books ships; see the full list at betterworldbooks.com/go/shipping.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #giveaway #bannedbooks #bannedbooksweek
Cookbook Nook 🔥
See other cool library designs by signing up for our email newsletter at the link in our bio.
📸: @satrinareads
📍on N 41st St between Eastern Ave N and Sunnyside Ave N in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
September book giveaways are open! 📚
Enter at the link in our bio.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #giveaway #bookgiveaway
