Little Free Library (LFL) is a nonprofit organization that promotes community, inspires readers, and expands book access through a global network of volunteer-led LFL book exchange boxes. The first LFL was created in 2009 by LFL’s co-founder Tod Bol, but the “take a book, share a book” concept would soon expand to become a global book-sharing movement to develop systems of sharing and learning from one another (Little Free Library, n.d.). The LFL organization provides education and guidelines for establishing new book boxes. Anyone can build and open their own LFL. Most LFLs are volunteer-led by LFL stewards, but some are run in partnership with schools, public libraries, local businesses, or other groups (About Us, 2022).
There is increasing involvement in public libraries placing LFLs in their library neighborhoods. Public librarians can utilize their collection development skills to curate an LFL collection sourced from community donations and secondhand stores. LFLs are an exciting community-focused project that fosters a sense of community by sharing knowledge “within a framework of caring and familiarity”, (Stephens, 2012).
Library-As-Intervention Model
Public libraries operate under a progressive interventionist model- that is, they prioritize putting knowledge into the hands of the poor, immigrants, and people who have been historically excluded from educational institutions. Similarly, the “library-as-intervention model” is demonstrated by the LFL’s outdoor book-sharing boxes, which make use of the excess unwanted books that would otherwise end up at secondhand stores, recycling centers, or landfills (Agresta, 2014).
LFLs in My Community (San Jose, CA)
San Jose is home to hundreds of registered LFL book exchange boxes that can be viewed on an interactive map, and even more unregistered book exchange boxes scattered throughout the neighborhoods. The map is useful for locating LFLs in your community but does not include the LFL book boxes that have not been registered on the LFL website by purchasing a charter sign for $50-70. This high price point can be a barrier to entry for some, but registering your LFL is not a requirement for creating a social hub that fosters a sense of community.
Figure 1: A LFL in San Jose, CA built in 2014 by community member Mike Tierney. This steampunk-themed LFL was one of the first 2,000 LFLs to be registered (Morris, 2023).
My neighborhood in south San Jose is fortunate to have at least 10 LFLs that I am aware of within walking distance of my house. I dream of someday becoming a steward of my own LFL book exchange box, whether in partnership with the public library as a librarian or as an independent venture. I love coming across new LFLs in coffee shops, near schools, and outside of libraries. LFL co-founder Tod Bol dreamed of a world with an LFL on every block and a book in every hand, and I believe his dream is steadily becoming a reality.
References
About Us. (2022, May 3). Little Free Library. https://littlefreelibrary.org/about/
Agresta, M. (2014). Will Libraries Exist in the Future? If So, They’ll Be Very Different. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://slate.com/human-interest/2014/04/the-future-of-the-library-how-theyll-evolve-for-the-digital-age.html
Little Free Library. (n.d.). Todd H. Bol. https://littlefreelibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Todd-H.-Bol-Notice.pdf
Morris, J. (2023, January 15). Curbside Little Free Libraries popping up all over the Bay Area. The Mercury News. https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/01/15/curbside-little-free-libraries-popping-up-all-over-the-bay-area/
Stephens, M. (2012). Little Free Libraries. Library Journal. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/little-free-libraries-office-hours
I love the idea of Little Free Libraries! My community is putting up a covered school bus stop and I am going to ask if we can build in a LFL.
There’s one by my house that disappeared for months, then reappeared a week ago freshly painted with a “Friends of the Library” sign attached. What a great way to distribute some of the extra book donations that make it through the Friends sales.
We have a few of these in my neighborhood. The most recent one is one that our local library set up in all the city parks which I thought was really cool
I love the idea of the “LittleFreeLibrary”. I have seen a couple of them around my area, and often residents just put them up because it is a great way to reuse materials instead of getting rid of them.