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