Program Snapshot
- Statewide partnership between the California Library Association (CLA) and Little Free Library
- Helps libraries deploy Little Free Library “branchlets” in high-impact community locations
- Focus on early literacy and reducing book deserts (birth–grade 3 priority)
- Includes discounted boxes, starter books, training, and student intern support
- Open to all libraries; CLA members receive added benefits and discounts
Little Free Libraries California is a statewide program that invites public libraries to expand their community reach by strategically placing Little Free Library (LFL) book boxes in high-impact locations such as Head Starts, elementary schools, community centers, and recreation sites across California.
By providing free, 24/7 access to books where families already gather, these “branchlets”—small, stewarded book exchange boxes connected to a local library network—reduce book deserts and expand early literacy access through culturally relevant reading materials.
Increasing neighborhood book access leads to higher voluntary reading exposure, which supports building a love reading at an early age and early literacy development leading to positive long-term learning outcomes.
This initiative follows a “book ecosystem” approach that extends the library into a network of connected access points supporting children from birth through third grade. The model is built on three primary community sites:
- Public Library: Serves as the central anchor, offering collections expertise, community trust, and project coordination.
- Head Start / Preschool: Introduces books early and supports family engagement during the first years of literacy.
- Elementary School: Ensures ongoing access as children grow as readers and encounter books daily.
Community hubs such as recreation centers, faith-based organizations, parks, or health clinics can also serve as key sites, creating a continuous flow of books wherever families naturally gather.
How the Program Works
- Library or partner site applies
- Sites identified using book-ecosystem model
- Branchlet package deployed
- Local stewards + library coordinate maintenance and replenishment
Each branchlet is supported by a designated steward or partner organization responsible for light maintenance and book rotation.
Ideal Locations Include
- Book desert neighborhoods
- Head Start & early learning centers
- Title I school communities
- Recreation & family service hubs
- Rural and access-limited areas
The program is designed to be lightweight, low-cost, and locally stewarded, with optional support from student interns and community partners.
To Get Started
Visit: littlefreelibrary.org/contact-us
Select: “Starting, building, or maintaining a library”
Include: “CLA” in the Questions/Comments field
What Participants Receive
1. A Little Free Library “Branchlet” Package
CLA Member Libraries
- Discounted Little Free Library boxes that can be adopted as official branchlets in your local network
- Inclusion on Little Free Library’s national online map and mobile app so residents and visitors can easily find your locations
- A starter book set tailored to the age range you choose, ensuring each branchlet launches fully stocked with high-interest, age-appropriate titles
- A special branchlet plaque identifying the site as part of the statewide initiative
Active CLA membership unlocks access to this package and ensures ongoing connection to statewide literacy initiatives, training, and support.
All Libraries & Community Partners
- Little Free Library boxes that can be adopted as official branchlets in your local network
- Inclusion on Little Free Library’s national online map and mobile app so residents and visitors can easily locate your branchlets
- A starter book set tailored to the age range you choose, ensuring each branchlet launches fully stocked with high-interest, age-appropriate titles
- A special branchlet plaque identifying the site as part of the statewide initiative
CLA Member Benefit
Members of the California Library Association enjoy discounted pricing on Little Free Library boxes as part of their membership benefits. Although participation is open to all, becoming a CLA member offers added value through both this discount and broader professional support.
CLA membership also connects participating libraries to statewide literacy initiatives, peer learning networks, advocacy efforts, and shared storytelling opportunities.
Impact & Evaluation Support
Participating sites receive simple tracking tools and templates to measure:
- Estimated books distributed
- Steward engagement
- Community usage patterns
- Early literacy reach indicators
- Partnership site growth
Our MLIS student interns can assist with baseline and follow-up data collection.
2. Graduate Student Implementation Support (No Cost to Libraries)
MLIS graduate students from the San José State University (SJSU) iSchool provide planning and implementation support at no cost to participating libraries. Support is coordinated through the SJSU iSchool and aligned with supervised applied learning experiences for MLIS graduated students.
- Community assessments and site selection
- Outreach to schools and community partners
- Data collection and basic evaluation
3. Program Design, Training, and Resources
Participants receive practical tools for launching and managing branchlets, including:
- How-to guides and templates
- Training materials for staff and volunteer stewards
- Shared branding guidelines and templates coordinated with CLA and Little Free Library
Examples from successful models include:
- San Diego County Library, which is installing 100 Little Free Libraries across five regions and “bringing the library to you” through both physical book boxes and online offerings.
- Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL), which has installed more than 20 “branchlets” or Little Free Libraries throughout the county. These branchlets operate on a “take a book, leave a book” honor system and are maintained by volunteer community stewards.
4. Statewide Visibility and Community Storytelling
Participating libraries benefit from:
- Promotion through CLA’s website, newsletters, and networks
- Opportunities to highlight local stories, photos, and data on shared platforms
- QR codes and direct links that can connect your community from a physical book box to digital resources, including ebooks, audiobooks, and library information
