You might have heard of a Little Free Library because you have one in your neighborhood. They are popping up in neighborhoods, in parks, and by schools. Little Free Library is an organization that inspires a love of reading, helps builds community, and fosters neighborhood involvement by sharing book exchanges around the world. Little Free Libraries gives readers of all ages access to books and allows families a way to share their books with others.
After following several LFL around town, I wanted to bring one to my subdivision. I put together a proposal and asked for the HOA to support the initiative. I got a bit of a push back and I provided a response that included information about some Little Free Libraries in our area. Here are my tips for starting your own Little Free Library in your neighborhood.
1. If you have an HOA, get the contact information for the board members and the proper process for submitting a proposal.
2. Who will be the steward? The steward is the person taking the lead with organizing the books, upkeep of the library, sending our announcements, and helping to spread the news about the library. This can be a one person job or several people can pool their resources and keep up with the library together.
3. Determine what type of library structure you want to set up. Do you want to recycle or upcycle materials? Do you want to build a library from scratch? There are pre-made finished libraries, unfinished libraries, mini library, and build your own library kits in the shop.
4. What other items do you feel is needed for the library set up? The shop has a brochure box, signs, stamps, bookmarks, and post cards.
5. Will the library focus on kids books only or a wide range of books for all ages? Keep in mind that you can change up the details later but it is easier to set it up at the beginning so that you can ask for book donations that fit the genre. For example, the library can focus on kids and young adult books. As the library grows, you can add on another structure to house other types of books.
6. Present your proposal. If you hit any obstacles, you can use some of these points.
This can be a wonderful project for teams, groups, friends, or neighbors to do together. If you have a Girl Scout in your life who is looking for a project for their Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award, consider building and installing a Little Free Library.
Find Little Free Libraries in your area using the World Map. Children's Book Week is May 1-7. An there will be plenty of reading programs over the summer to help kids keep reading.
Subscribe to the Little Free Library newsletter and get info about other libraries and specials.
Save 10% on select pre-built Libraries and easy-to-assemble Kits when you purchase now through May 11!
Friends R and B checking out books from the library.
Photo Credit: Roni Mendoza
