You’ve already set up your steward account—now you’re ready to set up your Little Free Library book exchange! Follow these easy steps to pick a good location, weatherproof your library, install it, and add some fun accessories! You’ll be sharing books in no time.
Choose a Location
Put your library where it’s easy to see and access! Aim for a spot that is well lit and accessible to those with limited mobility. Consider installing it low enough for kids to open the door. Click below to get more tips.
Check out these FAQs about library placement
- Read our detailed help doc on where to place your Little Free Library.
- Are there any liability issues with starting a Little Free Library?
- How do I get my homeowner’s association to allow a Little Free Library?
- Can I install a Little Free Library on public property?
- How to make your Little Free Library accessible.
Weatherproof Your Library
Make sure you paint or stain your Little Free Library book exchange before you place it outdoors! Raw wood exposed to rain or snow will deteriorate over time. Don’t forget to protect your library post, too.
Check out these FAQs on weatherproofing your library
- Follow our tutorial on how to paint your library.
- If your area gets a lot of snow, learn how to winterize your library.
- Review our recommended maintenance for a wooden library.
- Put caulk on the seams of the library if moisture is becoming an issue.
- A dryer sheet stuck inside the library can act as a deterrent to many pests (and keep your books smelling laundry fresh)!
- A Vaseline ring around the library post can work to keep ants out—they can’t climb through the Vaseline.
- Use foam or plastic weatherstripping around the door to protect against moisture.
Install Your Library
Here are our instructions to install a library on a wooden post. Consider purchasing a library post from our online store to make installation extra easy!
Get more tips on how and where to install your library
- Check out our video that shows how to install a Little Free Library on a wooden post.
- Our mobile library installation legs are perfect for indoor libraries!
- Consider installing your library in a large flower pot or barrel. This way it’s not permanently set in the ground.
Get Free Resource Downloads
Log in to your steward account to get tons of cute downloadable resources! Printable book labels, bookmarks, stickers, signs, and more are all there! Log in to your account to download them.
Follow Us on Instagram for Little Free Library Ideas & Designs
New year, new books! ❄️
Shop the Two Story Shed Little Free Library (pictured here) and more at the link in our bio.
📸: @superbloomlibrary
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #newyear #newyearnewbooks
Let it snow ❄️
Find 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.
📸: @thecheerfulreader
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #letitsnow #snow #winter
Did you make a resolution to volunteer in 2026? Team LFL volunteers help to support and sustain Little Free Library book-sharing boxes across the U.S.
Learn more about how to make Team LFL part of your volunteering plans in the new year at the link in our bio.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #volunteer #2026resolution #resolution
A winter wonderland ❄️
Shop the Mini Shed Little Free Library (pictured here) and more at the link in our bio.
📸: @kristinaob_books
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #letitsnow #snow #winter
What`s the last book you took from a Little Free Library? 📖
Need a book recommendation? Check out our Read in Color Recommended Reading lists at the link in our bio.
📸: @threepineslittlefreelibrary
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
"I will go to secret gardens in my mind." -Taylor Swift
Escape with a book from a Little Free Library near you by downloading our free mobile app at the link in our bio.
📸: @littlefreebulmanlibrary
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
January book giveaways are open! 📚
Enter at the link in our bio.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #giveaway #bookgiveaway
Wishing you a happy and bright new year full of good books! Here`s to 2026 🎉
📸: @read.with.jordy
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #newyear #happynewyear #2026
