How to Build a Little Free Library – Information and Ideas!
How to Build a Little Free Library – Information and Ideas.
Have you ever heard of Little Free Libraries? It’s an awesome way to share the love of learning and books. I really wanted to build one in front of the 1905 cottage. I was hoping to make one that was a miniature of the cottage and I thought since the cottage sat directly in front of an elementary school, it would be the perfect place for a Little Free Library.
The other day as I was walking our puppy, I stumbled across a Little Free Library at a park right by my house and it reminded me of how much I love this idea. Library owners can create their own library box, usually about the size of a doll house, or purchase one from the website. For a fee, libraries may be registered and assigned a number at Little Free Library. You can find out all about this idea on their website. It tells you how to find Little Free Libraries in your area, plus plans if you want to build your own, you can even buy pre-made Little Free Libraries there. If you decide to build your own Little Free Library, you can register it and put it on the world map.
The next time the kids and I go on a trip I think it would be fun to visit Little Free Libraries on our trip and leave a book too.
I love the creativity people have used in making their Little Free Libraries. Some of them look like birdhouses, some look like miniature houses, and some are made our of ingenious things like old phone booths and even little mini refrigerators. It’s so fun to see all of the ideas.
Usually there are at least two shelves, one for children’s books and another one for adult books.
It’s also important to make your Little Free Library out of weather-resistant materials as well as providing a way to shut it to keep the books dry. There are plans and instructions on how to mount your library on the Little Free Library site.
Build a Little Free Library in YOUR community!! Here are a few of my favorite Little Free Libraries for inspiration!
Little Free Library out of a filing cabinet @ Little Free Library Blog
Mini Little Free Library out of a vintage cabinet @ Little Free Library Blog
Little Free Library that looks like a barn @ Source Unknown
Little Free Library out of an old fridge @ Bookusbinder on Flickr
Little Free Library with built-in bench @ Bibilioticasumma
Classic Little Free Library @ Bookbinder on Flickr
Blue House Little Free Library @ Design Squish
Red Firehouse Little Free Library @ Source Unknown
Vintage cabinet Little Free Library @ Source Unknown
Turn an old newspaper vending machine into a Little Free Library @ Josh Larlos on Flickr
Turn an old phone booth into a Little Free Library @ Oregon Live
Darth Vader Little Free Library @ Good Story Sarah Files
Build a Little Free Library in your community and promote literacy and the love of reading. I love this idea!!
Follow me on Instagram as we explore the Little Free Libraries in our community this summer.
Tag me @tatertotsandjello if you find any Little Free Libraries where YOU live!!
Have a Wonderful Day!
xoxo
PS – this post is NOT sponsored. I love to read and I love the idea of promoting reading with our kids. Little Free Library is just an idea I love and wanted to share.
Pieknie!! zwlaszcza ta betonowa sciana nadaje wnetrzu charakteru.
Nie moge sie oczekac pozostalych pomieszczen. Bedziecie tez dekorowac (ramiki wazony itp)?
Oraz jesli istotnie to trzymacie plan wprowadzic jakis
barwa czy prędzej wszystko pozostanie w szarosciach?
Nie moge sie napatrzec na ów zdjecia. Juz czekam
na wiosne, żeby ruszyc plena para z remontem salonu: )
We put one in our neighborhood earlier this year. It has been a huge hit! A Little Free Library would be a perfect addition to your 1905 Cottage.
oh my goodness….this is great!!! I love this. My kids would love to help make one, I have to try.
~Be Sweet
Christina at
SWEETHAUTE
There are a bunch of Little Free Libraries in Seattle, and I’ve always wanted to make one of my own. The one thing that holds me back is that our house is on the route a lot of middle school kids take to walk home, and I always find trash in our garden from them. I’m worried that they’ll just use it as a trash can. Those darn kids!
My family members every time say that I am wasting my time here at net, except I know I
am getting familiarity every day by reading such fastidious articles or reviews.
I want to make one too! I think I have the perfect cabinet. Thanks for the inspiration!
I can’t wait to build mine. I like the examples you showed. I have an original vintage turquoise file cabinet just like that. I wonder how well it keeps the rain out? I also love the whimsical shape of the yellow vintage cabinet. I’m brainstorming ideas with my kids on a Dr. Seuss style one to go in our yard. I’d love to see if you build one at your new place Jen. We love to trade books at other free libraries.
I absolutely love the Free Little Libraries! I had no idea that they even existed. I have got to make one for my neighborhood! And I love your idea of stopping by all the little libraries on a road trip. Sounds like a great plan!
Isn’t it such a cool idea? I am excited to see all of the little free libraries when we travel. My kids love to read 🙂
xoxo
Thanks for the lovely ideas! This post inspired me to build a little library in my garden.
Yay! That makes me so happy. I can’t wait to see your library. Send me a picture when you are donr!
xoxo