Why These Whimsical Book Boxes Are Building Stronger Readers (and Stronger Communities)

Little Free Libraries

Most of us may have seen, heard about, donated to, or picked a book up from a little free library. For those in the dark, a little free library is a small book exchange receptacle similar to a mailbox that is placed somewhere in a neighborhood, such as the front yard of a house or a public space like a park. Anyone is welcome to take books, and anyone is welcome to add books. 

Do you have a little free library in your neighborhood? Take a look around! If you’d like to find the one nearest you, you can also look at the little free library’s website map here.

Why they’re important

Little free libraries can help make books more accessible to you and your student. This proximity can spark curiosity and, given enough time, can motivate your child to read more, which can greatly improve their literacy. The selection of books in a little free library may also encourage them to read books that they may not normally be exposed to in school. 

By making frequent trips to your local little free library, you are modeling how to be a positive force for literacy in your community. Because the books in a little free library are usually donated by the residents living nearby, reading them provides a connection between neighbors. Encourage your child to talk to their neighbors about the books they’ve found in their little free library—they may find out their neighbor was the one who donated it!  

Additionally, having your student select their own books or select what they donate to their little free library can give them a stronger sense of autonomy and a stronger belief in their own ability to positively impact their neighbors. 

Why do we need little free libraries if we already have public libraries? 

While public libraries play an important role in making books accessible, little free libraries offer a more personalized and whimsical experience. 

Unlike public libraries, with their expansive collections and often intimidating rows of endless literature, little free libraries are friendly and inviting by design. Some are painted with bright colors or in fun patterns, some have little latches or hooks on their doors, and some are built to resemble a barn, a cottage, a forest mushroom, or even a spaceship. 

Furthermore, the books inside reflect the interests of the members of your immediate community. You can generate talking points with your neighbors by placing books about topics you think they would enjoy, and vice versa. It is an altogether new form of communication and thoughtful interaction with one’s very own neighbors.

Although there’s no telling what books will be inside a little free library at any point in time, that unknown can be fun. What will be inside today may differ from the books that are there tomorrow. Young children especially may like to regularly check-in on their little free library. 

Geographically speaking, if you live further away from your public library, you and your child might be less motivated to visit. By visiting or maintaining a little free library, you and your child need only take a leisurely stroll to acquire fresh and interesting reading material. The proximity of a little free library may encourage you and your student to read more based on its convenience. 

Unlike a public library, with its cacophony of options, a little free library makes the world a simple place, with fewer choices and less thinking about what to read next. It is indeed the perfect example of the paradox of choice: when we have a seemingly endless number of options, we struggle to make a decision. However, when we have a more manageable selection to choose from, it makes choosing an interesting book that much easier. 

And, of course, unlike libraries, the books found inside a little free library have no due date! They are yours to keep forever or to re-donate. For students learning to annotate texts, practicing on a book from a little free library may take some of the pressure off if they know it’s not a new book or one they even need to keep.  

Consider Starting a Little Free Library in Your Neighborhood Today

If your neighborhood is lacking in little free libraries, or if you want to make your own personal contribution to your neighborhood’s little free library options, you can build your own! If you’d like to purchase a little free library kit to build one yourself, you can choose from an option here. These come with all the necessary materials (along with a charter sign) and full instructions on how to build one.

If you’d rather build your own with your own materials, there are many instructions online on how to do so. You can even get creative and use recycled materials (a few examples to list: an old toolbox, an old refrigerator, a repurposed canoe, an old telephone booth, etc.). If you’re going this route, you can also buy a charter sign to register your little free library on their database here. 

There are many approaches to running a little free library. Some take an active part in curating the types of books in their library, and others allow their local communities’ donations to dictate what books they have. Some organizations like the girl scouts build out their local little free library and take charge of the book selection. Others can decide on themes; some may even only allow children’s books. 

Regardless of how you choose to run your new little free library, it is sure to be a wonderful addition to the charm and beauty of your neighborhood and will most certainly bring you and your neighbors closer together.