The Little Free Library

Mom and Dad would have loved the concept of the Little Free Libraries, but I don’t think the idea had reached their small town yet. They always had a box near the back door where their already-read books ended up if they weren’t authors that they kept. It filled quickly as they were voracious readers.

The books went home with their daughters or were donated to the library book sale or taken to a paperback trade-in store when there was one in their community. More books continually arrived from discoveries at yard sales or brought by their daughters when they visited.

A continuous supply of books was always coming in and out of the house plus their old favorites filled the commodious bookshelves that Clyde constructed to fit the long wall in their living room. Still, they would have found pleasure in dropping off books to a Little Free Library to share their love of reading with others who might not have a ready supply of books.

How to Start a Little Free Library in Your Community

1. Choose a location: The first step in setting up a Little Book Library is to choose a location. It can be anywhere you think people will be interested in borrowing books, such as your front yard, a local park, or a community center. Check that it is OK to put one there.
2. Build or buy a bookshelf: You can either build your own Little Book Library or purchase one online. There are many resources available online for building a bookshelf, including free plans and tutorials. It needs to be weatherproof.
3. Decorate the bookshelf: Once you have your bookshelf, you can decorate it to make it more attractive and eye-catching. Paint it a bright color, add some artwork or decorations, and make sure it is easily visible to people passing by.
4. Stock it with books: Now it’s time to add books to your Little Book Library. You can start with books from your own collection, ask friends and family to donate books or you can purchase books from a secondhand bookstore or thrift store.
5. Spread the word: Let your community know about your Little Book Library by posting about it on social media, putting up flyers in the area, and telling your neighbors. You can also add your Little Book Library to the official Little Free Library world map.
6. Maintain the bookshelf: Make sure to check on your Little Book Library regularly to ensure it is in good condition and well-stocked with books. You may need to clean it, add more books, or make repairs as necessary.

By following these steps, you can set up a Little Book Library that will bring joy and literacy to your community.