Why I Love Books and Share Them with My Little Free Library
My first public library visit was in 1955, when my mom walked me (my brother was in a stroller) from my grandmother’s home on Nichols Avenue to the Stratford Library.
I was in awe.
My mother read to us daily. A love for reading was one of the many gifts my mom gave to all her children. My favorite smell can only be found walking through a library, or in a store full of new books. Neither will I ever tire of.
In 2020, I planted my first Little Free Library (LFL) in my front yard, near the front steps. It lasted several years until a gap in the frame became difficult to repair, and the box just rotted out from the rain constantly blowing in.
My second LFL is now installed (August 2025) in my front yard and ready for passers-by to take a book or or leave a book, or both!
The books at a LFL are always free. The mission and vision of the St. Paul, Minnesota nonprofit organization ( littlefreelibrary.org ) truly resonate with me: “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 Library book-exchange boxes.” Their vision is to have a Little Free Library in every community and a book for every reader. “We believe all people are empowered when given the opportunity to discover a personally relevant book to read. It is not limited by time, space, or privilege.”
A Little Free Library book-sharing box is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and is freely accessible to all, removing barriers to book access. The motto is “Take a Book, Leave a Book.” There is one on the sidewalk near the shops on Paradise Green and it’s often overflowing with books for readers of all ages. You can help that site stay filled.
Stratford has several LFLs around town, though many are not listed on the LFL Map on the Town website, but you may know of one near you. As you travel around Stratford you’ll see one in front of Nichols School, one by Ackley Park in Lordship, and others. One day I hope to see a Little Free Library at our Town Hall.
Little Free Libraries can be found in over 115 countries worldwide. The LFL Map online shows all of the places you can travel around the world to take a book or leave a book. Many people buy ready-made boxes on the LFL website, which is what I did to get mine.
Here are a few ways you, too, can have your own Little Free Library:
- Foster a Little Free Library at your home (become a Steward).
- Establish a new LFL with the help of an organization, such as Sterling Community Center in town.
- Or start one at a local school with the help of its PTA.
- The LFL organization says that it grants funds at no-cost, and can help someone provide books to underserved urban, suburban, rural, and Indigenous communities.
The price of a prebuilt LFL varies, from buying plans from the the organization, or checking out Etsy for used ones. LFL website prices range from $42 to $400, with a basic one costing about $104.00. Please check out their website to see the variety of choices. If you have building skills, you can see plans for doing one of your own design, or buy a How-To book from LFL for about $25.00. Maybe even less on Thrift Books.
LFL also champions diverse books through its “Read in Color” program. LFL makes books available representing BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other diverse voices to promote understanding, and empathy. They give you ideas of titles to buy to stock your library.
LFL collaborates with schools, public libraries, civic organizations, businesses, and other groups to bring Little Free Libraries to their communities. We have lots of families in my neighborhood who walk with their pets and children. As they ride bikes, taking in the fresh air, they can also take a quick break, peruse the LFL in front of my house, choose a book and then return it or donate gently used books easily themselves.
A reader can go on adventures through a book any time. Lots of my friends still have their grown children’s books, so they have been donating to my collection. If you see something you want to read, borrow it. And when you are finished you can pass it on to a friend or return it to the LFL.
The beauty of the A Little Free Library is that it belongs to everyone, and anyone in our community can leave a book and take a book. If you’re ever on Floral Way, stop at the LFL and grab your next read.
