By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
I discovered Little Free Libraries in a search to donate some of my books. The organization’s concept has sparked ideas for me to support the group, and I think you’ll find their services beneficial to you and your community too.
I’ve always been a library fan. Through their many books on varied subjects, worlds unfold, history takes meaning, new ideas are explored, stories are viewed through the eyes of unique characters, and all await the hungry and thirsty reader.
According to the Little Free Libraries’ website, “Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Our mission is to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Library book-exchange boxes.”
Perhaps you’ve seen the small, mounted boxes in subdivisions, community buildings, parks, and wherever people can easily access books at any time of day. When I consider the impact of accessible knowledge, I’m excited the founders of Little Free Libraries have the passion and vision to provide others with hope, beauty, learning, and entertainment through sharing the written word.
Thousands of people young and old, have taken advantage of reading books at their fingertips, not just in the US but also around the globe. The blessing of literacy is a gift that has no price.
We all have books that we no longer read or have the space to store. Donating quality reading is always a good idea. I encourage you to download the app and map out Little Free Libraries in your area. The app offers perks, making it fun. Perhaps you will want to erect a mounted box for your community.
I encourage you to discover all the Little Free Libraries has to offer. The information may spark an idea for your family or community group—possibly a project to enhance someone’s holiday experience. The site provides ways to support the organization, how to construct a Little Free Library, gifts and apparel for book lovers, even book bundles, and much more!
Take a book. Share a book. A win-win program for everyone. Do you have a Little Free Library near you?
Comments 24
I love the whole concept of little free libraries and what a treasure to those who discover them! Each one is so unique! I’ve enjoyed seeing examples of some on Pinterest at times. You’ve inspired us all to consider how we might get involved with Little Free Libraries.Thanks for sharing! Lisa P.
Lisa, I hear your enthusiasm in your words. So many designs and shapes make Little Free Libraries more of an adventure. Thank you for commenting.
I’ve had a little free library in my front yard for over a year now and it’s so much fun. I keep only Christian fiction books in mine. To me it’s a good witness for my community.
Wish I could show you a picture of mine.
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Gail, that is wonderful. Thanks for ministering to your community!
My 20-year-old twins decided we needed a Little Free Library in our front yard because they love visiting them so much. Of course I couldn’t say no, I’m a librarian!
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Shondra, I’m smiling, actually laughing. I love your twins’ suggestion. Every librarian needs a Little Free Library
Thanks for sharing this information, DiAnn. I’ve donated books to Little Free Libraries before, and just downloaded the app to get a map of all the locations near me. It’s a wonderful idea.
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Kay, the app makes it so much easier. You can enter where you donated a book(s), and it keeps track of the location and who made the donation. You can also report if a Little Free Library needs repair.
My husband and I love donating books to several local “Little Free Library” stands. What a blessing to be able to share good books with friends and strangers. 🙂
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Melissa, I agree with you! I feel like an elf at Christmas.
Yes, we have them in a couple of parks where we walk. Unfortunately, the books there are not ones we want to read.
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Linda, that’s sad. We haven’t found that yet, but I’m sure they are available in some of the boxes.
I saw one at the township hall where I voted today. The other nearby is only a few miles from me. I have used and left books. I did not know they began in St. Paul. I am in Minnesota. Thanks for the information. I was telling my daughter about them this morning before I read your message.
Thanks for your posts.
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Leona, so glad you discovered them in your area. They are a blessing to so many people.
I first saw them years ago when visiting my daughter on Capital Hill – a residential area in the heart of D.C. I’ve borrowed from them while on extended visits and added her donations while on my walks around the neighborhood. We have one outside our neighborhood that I’ve used.
I talked with my husband about building our own, not knowing the finished product is for sale. I think we can do a less expensive version, but after reading the instructions they provide, my husband may gently decline or figure it out on his own. I’ll check in with our HOA for permission.
Thanks for sharing the website, DiAnn. You’ve given me the push to do this.
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Karen, I’m thrilled you are considering a Little Free Library project. You made m day! Thanks.
Thanks for sharing this!
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Debbie, the Little Free Libraries shows so much humanity.
I love this! I’m signing up.
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Thanks, Gayle! Here in Houston we have so many Little Free Libraries. My husband has them on his app, and we drop off books!
What a beautiful gift to anyone!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful gift for any and everyone.
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Thank you, Joyce. I love how Little Free Libraries has something for everyone, too.
Thank you for sharing this! I’m also a big fan of Little Free Libraries. I bought one years ago, then sadly, my homeowner’s association said I couldn’t put it in my yard. So I donated it to a community garden, where it stands today. It was an expensive investment, so make sure to check with your HOAs and city ordinances before you buy one. Lesson learned.
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Kristine, I love how they minister to the whole community. What a way to help young and old reading.Thanks!!