4 Steps to Building a Free Little Library in Your Community

If you live in South Carolina, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a colorful wooden box of books in a neighborhood. From Greenville to Edisto Island, Little Free Library, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access through book-sharing boxes, has made its mark.

A Little Free Library is a “take a book, share a book” free book exchange. This provides a fun, free activity for parents and children while also fostering a love of reading.

Don’t have one in your community? You can build one! Here are three steps to building a Little Free Library in your area:

1. Choose the Location

Maybe you would like one in your neighborhood or a park nearby! Before you build a Free Little Library, determine if you need permission from the city, property owner, or a Homeowners Association. For example, if you want to build one in your local park, start by contacting the city’s Park and Recreation department to determine next steps. Check out other tips from Little Free Library on choosing the perfect location!

2. Build Your Library

Once your location has been chosen and approved, it’s time to build a Little Free Library. There are two options—you can purchase a kit from their site or you can build one yourself! Check out these blueprints for building your own. Whichever route you choose, this is a great opportunity to work on this project with your children or your neighbors!

3. Register Your Library

If you purchased a kit from Free Little Library, your registration and a charter sign with a unique charter number is included. If you chose to build it yourself, register it by purchasing a charter sign for $40.

4. Tell Your Community

Let your neighbors know about the new addition! Invite folks to add and take books. Use social media or neighborhood meetings to spread the word.

There are a million ways to build community with those around you. Whether you’re building a Little Free Library or just visiting one, you’re in for everchanging surprises.

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