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
"Your teachers
Are all around you.
All that you perceive,
All that you experience,
All that is given to you
or taken from you,
All that you love or hate,
need or fear
Will teach you—
If you will learn."
—Octavia Butler
Find a Little Free Library wherever you are by downloading our free mobile app at the link in our bio!
📸: @lflbookadventures
🏠: #216945
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
Grow your mind 🪴
Shop the Living Roof Little Free Library (pictured here) and more at the link in our bio!
📸: @ericaleewrites
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
Options galore! 📚
Learn more about starting a Little Free Library at the link in our bio!
📸: @oldcloverdalecommunitygarden
🏠: #41204
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
I love books a latte ☕
Find a Little Free Library wherever you are by downloading our free mobile app at the link in our bio!
📸: @bookitwithdee_
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
Little Library 🫶
Find a Little Free Library wherever you are by downloading our free mobile app at the link in our bio!
📸: @graciemewsbooks
📍: Lubec, ME
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
Happy International Dot Day! 🟠
Based on the book THE DOT by Peter H. Reynolds, International Dot Day is a global event held on September 15 to celebrate creativity, courage, and collaboration.
Peter H. Reynolds is a fan of Little Free Library and sent us this illustration for International Dot Day a few years back 😍
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #thedot #internationaldotday #peterhreynolds
Kind people are my kind of people 🫶🌈
See other cool library designs by signing up for our email newsletter at the link in our bio!
📸: @bringyourownbookpdx
🏠: #72619 in Oregon City, OR
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram
According to a new study, Little Free Library`s Indigenous Library Program significantly increases access to books, helps overcome major transportation barriers, and supports more frequent reading among families and children.
Among the findings:
➤ 89% of respondents say they have access to more books because of Little Free Library book-sharing boxes
➤ 96% find books they are excited to read
➤ 38% of families with children report reading more since using the book boxes
➤ The book boxes reduce the average distance families must travel to access books by approximately 68 miles, avoiding an estimated $40 in transportation costs per trip to an off-Nation public or school library
➤ 100% of families surveyed say it is important for Indigenous children to see their identity, culture, and values reflected in books by Indigenous authors
Learn more at the link in our bio.
#littlefreelibrary #littlelibrary #freelittlelibrary #bookstagram #literacy #bookaccess
