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
"I guess there are never enough books." —John Steinbeck
Find a Little Free Library near you by downloading our free mobile app at the link in our bio!
📸: @miraculousreads
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
Books can take you places 🚐
See other cool Little Free Library designs by signing up for our email newsletter at the link in our bio!
📸: steward Rebecca D.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
Meet Todd H. Bol Award Winner Brentley Alexander!
“With my entire being, I believe it has kept me from hospitalization by keeping me moving, strengthening me, and keeping my mind focused on everything but quadriplegia. Happiness plays a big role in wellness. If you’re not happy, you’re not healthy…. Owning a Little Free Library has shown me that being a wheelchair user isn’t where my story ends.”
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
Coming down from that #LFLweek high! Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate our birthday last week 🥰
Just a reminder that the photo contest ends TODAY, and Little Free Library BINGO is available to play year-round! Download a card from the LFL Week page at the link in our bio.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
More LFL love from LFL staff and their families for #LFLweek! There`s still time to get in on the celebrations and share your photos for a chance to win prizes 🎉 Learn more about Little Free Library Week at the link in our bio.
The Little Free Library Week photo contest is sponsored by @thriftbooks.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
We love seeing our stewards celebrate Little Free Library Week! Be sure to keep sharing photos of you, your kids, your pets with your favorite Little Free Library with #LFLweek for a chance to win. Download a BINGO card, and learn more about the photo contest at the link in our bio.
The Little Free Library Week photo contest is sponsored by @thriftbooks.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
It`s Little Free Library Week! 🎉 We’re turning our organization’s nonprofit birthday into a week-long celebration May 17-23! #lflweek
A few of our staff members and their families have been visiting Little Free Library book-sharing boxes to snap some pictures for our big LFL Week photo share! Learn more about how to submit your photos to be eligible for prizes as well as other ways to get involved this week at the link in our bio.
The Little Free Library Week photo contest is sponsored by @thriftbooks.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
Meet the winners of the 2026 Todd H. Bol Awards! 🎉 Each of these outstanding Little Free Library stewards has an inspiring story of improving their community. Read them all at the link in our bio.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
