What is the purpose of the Little Free Library?
James Stevens
Updated on March 02, 2026
Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization based in Hudson, Wisconsin. 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 Libraries.
What can I use for a little free library?
10 Objects You Didn’t Know Could Be a Little Free Library
- A wine barrel Library.
- A coffin Little Free Library for spooky books!
- A grandfather clock finds new life as a Library!
- A Library with a ski roof and ski pole doors.
- A newspaper box with vertical planters full of herbs and flowers.
How much does it cost to make a little free library?
There is a one-time payment of about $40 USD to register each library that you build. When you register, you get a charter sign engraved with a unique charter number. Your unique charter number gives you the option to add your library to the world map.
Are Little Free Libraries successful?
As of last year, Little Free Libraries—those birdhouse-looking book-stops that pop up in people’s front yards—were represented in every U.S. state. Little Free Library has now touched down in more than 70 other countries. These book exchanges are now 50,000 strong and growing.
Who invented the Little Free Library?
Todd Bol
Rick Brooks
Little Free Library/Founders
The first Little Free Library was created as a memorial. Todd H. Bol built the first Little Free Library in 2009, as a tribute to his mother who had passed away. Today thousands of people have used Little Free Libraries to remember a loved one or honor a special person in their lives.
Who owns little free libraries?
Todd Bol
Little Free Library
| A Little Free Library | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2009 |
| Founder | Todd Bol |
| Type | 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization |
| Tax ID no. | 45-4043708 |
Can you put a little free library anywhere?
Nope. We have no rules about where you may install a little library, but be sure to check with the landowner before installing one wherever you please. Many libraries are outdoors, but yours could be a bookcase in a coffee shop, a wicker basket in an office or a cute wooden box in the lobby of your apartment building.
How many little free libraries are there?
Little Free Library. More than 75,000 public book exchanges are registered with the organization and branded as Little Free Libraries. Through Little Free Libraries, present in 88 countries, millions of books are exchanged each year, with the aim of increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Where are little free libraries located?
The “Little Free Libraries” can be found at these locations: At the children’s play area in Burns Park In front of the North Little Rock City Services building located at 300 Main Street Across the street from the Lakewood Property Owners Association (LPOA) offices on Lakeshore Drive. Levy Christian Kindergarten on Camp Robinson Road.
What are little free libraries?
A Little Free Library is a free book-sharing box where anyone may take a book or share a book. They function on the honor system. You do not need to share a book in order to take one. If you take a book or two from a little library, try to bring some to share to that same library, or another in your area, when you can.
What is the Little Free Library project?
The Project: The Little Free Library project began in 2009 when Todd Bol built a small structure, a glorified birdhouse if you will, and filled it with books in honor of his late mother, a school teacher and avid reader. He placed the structure on his front lawn with a sign encouraging curious visitors to “Take a Book.
