Set Up Your Library

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

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

Accessorize Your Library

Add some flair to your Little Free Library book-sharing box and attract more visitors! From garden flags to benches to dog treat boxes, we’ve got options for you.

Check out our most popular library accessories

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

Little Free Library love 🫶

Need a break from the internet? Find a Little Free Library near you this weekend by downloading our free mobile app at the link in our bio.

📸: @lflwpg

#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
Take a book, or leave a book: it's that simple! 📚

Learn more about the Little Free Library nonprofit organization by signing up for our monthly email newsletter at the link in our bio. We share organization news, cool library designs, and exclusive promotions for our online store!

📸: @lflwpg

#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
Oh my GOURD 🍂 Look at this setup!

Find a Little Free Library near you by downloading our free mobile app at the link in our bio.

📸: steward Brittnay E.
🏠: #184802

#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
TREEat yourself to a new book at a Little Free Library! 🌳

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

📸: patron Katie F.
🏠: #91320 in Orono, ME

#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
Good grief! 🐶

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

📸: steward Debbie C.
🏠: #63538

#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
Magical and whimsical 🦋🍄🌈

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

📸: @lflwpg

#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
Take a book, or leave a book: it's that simple! 📚

Learn more about the Little Free Library nonprofit organization by signing up for our monthly email newsletter at the link in our bio. We share organization news, cool library designs, and exclusive promotions for our online store!

📸: patron Mary H.
🏠: #98140 

#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
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