Little Free Libraries - Tiny, Tiny Homes Filled With Inspiration
If you have ever passed a house-shaped box with books inside you might have been curious about who set them up. Scattered across the globe are charming mini-libraries known as Little Free Libraries (LFLs). They don’t require a library card and can be found outside homes, in parks, malls and all kinds of interesting places. The concept is based on the “Take a Book, Leave a Book” idea and anyone can share their love of reading and creative spirit through the type of library they choose to create.
It can be as simple as using a repurposed cabinet, dollhouse, wine fridge, or as elaborate as using the trunk of a 110-year-old cottonwood tree in Idaho.
Many libraries are crafted to look exactly like the steward's house. There are even TARDIS libraries celebrating Dr. Who. Check out the LFL Libraries of Distinction page on Pinterest or their Instagram account for loads of amazing library designs.
Little Free Libraries first began in Hudson Wisconsin in 2009 when Todd Bol built the first one as a tribute to his mother, a teacher and lifelong reader. From there, the idea spread across the country and around the world. It's been wonderful to see that the idea of sharing books and connecting with your neighbors has such universal appeal. There are more than 100,000 registered Little Free Libraries in all 50 states and in 108 countries, from Argentina to Zambia.
Want to get in on the fun?
You can purchase a fully assembled Little Free Library; purchase a kit to build a Little Free Library; or build your own and register it with the LFL organization. Check out the LFL getting started page for all the details. Once you have your vessel created, LFL stewards can opt to add their library to the world map, and LFL app (being unveiled in 2021).
New stewards often like to host a grand opening for their LFL with an outdoor gathering for neighbors, send a press release to local media, or post on neighborhood social media pages that their library is open for visitors and book donations. And never underestimate the power of sidewalk chalk to point people to your new Little Free Library!
Little Free Libraries offer an opportunity for people to slow down, browse for a book, and connect with their community.
Incorporate LFL into your National Day of Unplugging celebrations!
Take a Little Free Library bike tour with your friends; go on a neighborhood scavenger hunt with your family, looking for Little Free Libraries or other local landmarks; or simply find a good book to enjoy while you're unplugged. Check out the map to find one (or several) near you.
We will be sharing more details about our partnership and program ideas as we get closer to the first weekend of March (National Day of Unplugging) on our member pages.