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
Summer g̶r̶i̶l̶l̶l̶i̶n̶g̶ reading 🍔
See other fun Little Free Library designs by signing up for our email newsletter at the link in our bio!
📸: @stopsstepsandsights
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
I stop for books ✋
Stop for books at a Little Free Library! Find one near you by downloading our free mobile app at the link in our bio.
📸: @thebookwormbungalow
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
Happy Juneteenth! On June 19 in the United States, we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
Check out our Read in Color Recommended Reading list for books to stock in your neighborhood Little Free Library to mark the occasion at the link in our bio.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #juneteenth
Meet Todd H. Bol Award Winner Lyndsay Hogg!
“We are not in the most affluent town, so incentives like this make such a difference to morale,” Lyndsay said. Once installed, her library—“The Book Hogg”—became a local sensation, inspiring authors to drop off signed copies of their books and prompting the local council to commit to building 11 more book-sharing boxes. “I am a single mum of two boys who just wants to show them that small acts of kindness are all it takes sometimes to genuinely make a difference."
Learn more about the winners of the 2026 Todd H. Bol Awards for Outstanding Achievement at the link in our bio.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #lfl #toddhbol #toddbol #toddhbolawards
The Strawberry Inn Little Free Library #102382 in Strawberry, AZ 🍓
See other cute Little Free Library designs by signing up for our email newsletter at the link in our bio!
📸: @boookstamanda
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
Meet Todd H. Bol Award Winner Paisley Deverson!
“I never knew how big of a need there was for them in my community,” Paisley said, but the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “I have gotten so much joy in seeing the kids come to the libraries to get their free books.”
Learn more about the winners of the 2026 Todd H. Bol Awards for Outstanding Achievement at the link in our bio.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #lfl #toddhbol #toddbol #toddhbolawards
Steward Mymy P. recently opened Little Free Library #220676 in Gatineau, Québec!
"Welcome to "le Chat`pitre" !
I`ll try to translate de pun for you
Chapitre = Chapter
Chat = Cat
So Chat`pitre could be Cat`pter for you 🐾"
Find a Little Free Library wherever you are in the world by downloading our free mobile app at the link in our bio!
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
Matching 👯
See other cool Little Free Library designs by signing up for our email newsletter at the link in our bio!
📸: @austinkgraff
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
