Over the holidays, I was delighted to see that our neighborhood had erected a Little Free Library. The cute, bright-yellow library is shaped like a school bus and even features the number of the bus which transports the children to and from the nearest elementary school.
The Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization with more than 100,000 little libraries worldwide, according to www.littlefreelibrary.org Founded in 2012, the organization says it strives to “be a catalyst for building community and increasing book access.”
“Studies prove that the more books in or near the home, the more likely a child will learn and love to read,” stated the website.
The concept is simple. It’s a free take-one, leave-one service that’s available around the clock. It not only encourages reading among all ages, but the program also fosters a sense of community. And you don’t even need a library card!
There are Little Free Libraries in all 50 states, more than 100 countries, and all seven continents, even Antarctica. Log on to www.littlefreelibrary.org and conduct a search based on location near you, your zip code, city/state/province/region, country, and more. If there isn’t a Little Free Library near you, why not considering starting one?
Do you want to share your love of reading? Do you want to meet more neighbors and build community? Do you want to expand book access for children? The website contains fun videos, step-by-step instructions, a newsletter sign-up, and helpful tips on how to start your own Little Free Library. Briefly, here’s an overview on how to get started:
Step 1: Identify a Location and a Steward
Step 2: Get a Library (Either build one of your own or purchase one through the website’s online store.)
Step 3: Register Your Library
Step 4: Build Support
Step 5: Add Your Library to the World Map
From Little Free Libraries shaped like bird houses to ones that look like schools, the possibilities are endless. Be sure to contact www.littlefreelibrary.org for more information.
Happy reading!