Post on 21-Dec-2015
transcript
Take a Book – Return a Book
LITTLE FREE LIBRARY.ORG
About Little Free Library.org
• A proven grassroots social enterprise model that provides greater access to books for all ages
• Connects neighbors and communities together
• Designed, decorated and cared for by local volunteers
History - Little Free Library.org
• 2009• Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin• Built a one room schoolhouse model as a
tribute to his mother (former school teacher)
• Filled it with books and mounted the model in the front yard of his mother’s home
Mission - Little Free Library.org
• To promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide
• To build a sense of community as we share skills, creativity and wisdom across generations
Key Strategies - Little Free Library.org
• Promotion of reading for children• Promotion of literacy for adults• Build libraries around the world
Little Free Library.org
Provides better access to books:• To areas not served by a traditional
library, a new or used bookstore or thrift shop
• To those who have limited access to technology
• To those with limited financial resources
The Little Free Library.org Mission
• To promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide
• To build a sense of community as we share skills, creativity and wisdom across generations
• To build more then 50,000 libraries around the world
EWI and Little Free Library.org
• An inexpensive, creative way to promote literacy within the chapters’ territories
• An opportunity to partner with organizations, associations, companies and individuals to promote literacy
EWI and Little Free Library.org
• An opportunity to promote EWI, its mission, vision and values
• An opportunity to create recruitment and retention activities
Little Free Library – A Few Easy Steps
1. Identify a “steward”2. Register at www.littlefreelibrary.org3. Registration costs are:
$38.45 (standard - barn wood)$40.45 (upgrade - aluminum)$74.95 (custom)
Role of a Steward
• Care for a Little Free Library so it becomes and continues a long life as a vital, engaging resource for the neighborhood or community
• Welcome participation, create and maintain a friendly place in and around the library
• Encourage people to share responsibility for the library
Steward . . .
The Steward can be a committeeUtilize community volunteersPartner with the beneficiary
Share the responsibility
Register
www.littlefreelibrary.orgClick on “register”Enter information
Make payment
Steward’s Packet will arrive in 3 – 6 weeks
Steward’s Guide
1. Locating your Little Free Library2. Installing, Celebrating and Taking Care of Your
Library3. How to Build and Sustain Support4. Vandalism: How to Prevent it and What to do if
it Happens5. Tips from the Field6. How to Install Your Little Free Library
Key Decisions
1. Finance the Little Free Library2. Purchase a Little Free Library3. Build and decorate the Little Free Library4. Advertise / launch the Little Free Library5. Monitor / restock the Little Free Library
Finance the Little Free Library
1. Be creative2. Chapter resources3. Seek sponsorships (from member firms)4. Partner with organizations (e.g., hospitals,
local businesses)5. Request donations from large retail and
discount stores (e.g., Walmart, Lowes, Target)
Purchase a Little Free Library
1. Many choices and designs2. Prices range from $174.95 to $1,499.953. Neighborhood Building Party Kit (pictured
above) features (4) little libraries - $999.95
Build / Decorate / Install Library
1. 24 library choices2. Library “kits” provide specific instruction
for building the library3. Many of the libraries are “built to order”
and arrive ready to install4. Many libraries are shipped with $150 worth
of books donated by friends of Little Free Library
Build . . .
1. Basic carpentry skills are recommended for installation
2. Purchase additional materials:4” x 4” x 8’ post2” x 6” x 2’ piece of wood6 each 2 1/2 “ lag screws3” external lag screws3” lag bolts
Advertise / Launch Little Free Library
1. Flyers to neighbors2. Letters to businesses3. Welcome party 4. Inform media (newspapers, radio,
television)
Monitor / Restock Little Free Library
1. Get community involved in library2. Ask local businesses to providing ongoing
support3. Build a backup reserve of books (purchased
or donated)4. Engage community families5. Keep it simple !
Resources – Little Free Library
1. Chapter Implementation Guide2. Sample announcement flyer3. Implementation tips4. Fundraising tips5. Ewiconnect.com
Resources – ewiconnect.org
Community / PhilanthropyLittle Free Libraries
SHORTCUT:http://ewiconnect.com/littlefreelibraries
http://ewiconnect.com/littlefreelibrariesLink to register via the Little Free Library
websiteBook exchange handbook
Decide on a locationGet involved tips
How does this library workHow to get involved
How to registerHow to build and sustain support
How to donate booksHow to spread the word
Impact at a glanceLittle Free Library flyer
Sample announcement flyerTips to fundVandalism
Chapter Implementation GuideSteward Guide
Get started !
1. There is no right way to implement a Little Free Library
2. Be creative3. Be resourceful4. Make your own way