Books Around the Block - Program Guide
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Books Around the Block
Program Guide
Hello!
The mission of the Little Free Library is to promote literacy and the love of reading by
building free book exchanges worldwide. It is also about sparking a sense of community
around this unique way of sharing. Since 2010, over 16,000 Little Free Libraries have been installed
throughout 65 countries worldwide, as well as every state within the U.S.
This guide has been written to support the needs of people requesting information. It acts as a
resource to educators, community organizers, agencies, organizations, businesses, individuals and
stewards like you. We encourage you to use this guide as you plan for any library in your area. Each
library installed can help expand our shared goal of improving literacy in all ages.
We hope you will continue to join our endeavor and support our mission. Any proceeds earned
through the sale of our libraries or supporting materials help fuel this shared mission. The funds go
toward ongoing concept development, the cost of supplies, the online world map, different program
initiatives, as well as creative and written materials that support our goals.
We would love to hear from you! Send us your photos, share your stories and collaborate with us
whenever you can. Thank you for your continued work to strengthen literacy in your community
as well as for connecting other readers to one another through the use of a Little Free Library. It is
one of the biggest “little” gifts that you can give.
Sincerely,
Todd Bol Dr. Jean Neuman
Executive Director & Co Founder Former Princiapl Minneapolis Public Schools
Little Free Library® CEO Minnesota Instructional Practice
tbol@littlefreelibrary.org
2 Program Guide | Little Free Library® | Updated October 2014
Plans for Having a Little Free Library®
In a Location Near You
Identify Steward(s) and
an Ongoing Work Group
Locating Your Library
Buying or Building
a model
Finding Resources
Installing & Celebrating
For more information on Little Free Library® and its programs visit: 3
www.littlefreelibrary.org | /LittleFreeLibrary | /LtlFreeLibrary | /ltlfreelibrary | /littlefreelibrary
Identifying Stewards
Roles and Responsibilities Anyone can be a Steward!
The primary role of a steward is to care for a Little Free Library so Finding a passionate person (s) to act as the
that it can become and continue to be a vital and engaging resource main steward is important for the overall care
for the neighborhood or community. of each Little Free Library. We recommend
that there is at least one steward who regularly
Stewards are the key local contacts for each Library—for users, checks the Library and its contents. Other suc-
donors, the Little Free Library movement and support system. It is cessful stewards have told us that they actively
not the steward’s responsibility to keep the Library full at all times. engage their neighbors and frequently ask for
Instead, the goal is to welcome participation, create and maintain a help in the care of their library.
friendly place in and around the Library, and encourage people of
all ages and backgrounds to share responsibility for it.
We encourage you, as a Little Free Library
Steward to:
• Be aware of opportunities to promote reading and liter-
acy. Participate on behalf of your Library whenever you
• Make sure your Library is orderly, in good repair, fun
and interesting. Communicate with your neighbors and
others to get advice and share ideas.
• Stay up to date on Little Free Library activities, resources
and initiatives through Little Free Library’s website, blog
and social media.
• Protect the integrity of the Library itself, its contents
and the overall reputation of the Little Free Library
movement. We are partners with you and will support
• Stay in touch with other stewards when possible. you with information and resources!
• Be available to speak with interested parties and local Little Free Library stewards are key to
the success of the Little Free Library
media to help positively promote the exciting Little
movement. Without you, Libraries are just
Free Library movement! a cute little structure.
• Keep littlefreelibrary.org informed about how things are
going. Use Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter or blog or email Your enthusiasm and participation brings
us. a special asset to your neighborhood. As
individuals exchange books, your Library
can also get people together to talk, share
special stories and spark wonderful ideas.
4 Program Guide | Little Free Library® | Updated October 2014
Create a Work Group
All individuals like to feel needed and
valued. You will get help if you make it easy
for people to give of their time and talent.
Working together to steward a Little Free Meetings: What Can You Do?
Library should be fun. People will join
Here are some ideas that have worked well for others to get people
in and be involved when you hold your
to come and join in on a planning meeting.
meetings at convenient times and locations.
1. Serve food! If possible, provide breakfast, lunch or
meet during an agreed upon convenient time.
2. Focus on success. Whenever possible, ask people to
share what worked well.
3. Encourage the sharing of ideas and discuss a
problem that could be solved. Make sure you always
let people hear from one another about connections,
contacts, ideas, skills and resources. Put “requests”
or “offers” of help early in the agenda.
4. Make sure everyone has a task or role to play. If
the facilitator does it all, group members may not
a task, however small, for each person. Make sure
someone follows up with each person in at least one
way before the next meeting. Outline some action
5. Have regular meeting times—the same time and
People will also support that which they
day— whether you meet once a month or every
help create even though they may be busy.
other month. Realize that most of your business
Your involvement can also spark people
to get involved. Act as a resource for your may get done outside the meetings.
group, neighbors, friends or others who 6. Start and end on time. Know that smaller meetings
may be interested. can be just as productive as big meetings.
Remember to honor everyone’s work by: 7. Send or give reminders to people about what they
having an agenda, taking notes, following promised. Emails, calls or postcards can be used.
up, encouraging everyone, giving responsi-
bility to individuals within the action plan 8. Positive recognition can work wonders. At the meeting,
and steps. thank people for their participation and commitment.
For more information on Little Free Library® and its programs visit: 5
www.littlefreelibrary.org | /LittleFreeLibrary | /LtlFreeLibrary | /ltlfreelibrary | /littlefreelibrary
Understandings and Assumptions Stewards are the main caretakers of this specially placed Library. Those that built or bought it, decorated, sponsored and or use it will treasure it. The most successful Little Free Libraries have stewards who actively engage with others in the community to nurture and develop their Little Free Library. Another sign of a successful Library is its constant use where books come and go and there are repeated visits. We hope that you continue to be stimulated to interact with others through the sharing of books. Stewards are the key to making each Library work. 6 Program Guide | Little Free Library® | Updated October 2014
Locating Your Little Free Library
Your Neighborhood’s Little Free Library
Helping people to feel as though this library belongs to them is
important. After all, it is a gift to the community and neighborhood
The Library is its own best advertising. If people walking by can
see it they may stop. If possible, try to have the Library illuminated.
Lighting from a streetlight may be perfect. Install the Library
inside the sidewalk, by your home, not on the boulevard or apron of
the street. It also helps if you can directly view the library from a
residence or business.
Locating Your Library Great location! Check for gas
Many people wonder why government has lines, cables
so many policies, rules and regulations; why and tree roots
it seems to make it so hard to do something which can cause
nice. Stewards and supporters of Little Free problems.
Libraries want to know: is it okay to put a
Library on public property?
Find out whom to talk to and who has au-
thority to assist you with your placement.
Some think they can do whatever they wish
on their own property. Managers of apart-
concerns, so it is good to check with those Placing your Library close to the road Don’t forget to get permission
may be a problem with snow plows or to place and dig.
in charge.
permits.
And when the Other Ideas:
Library is installed: • Put the Library on
• Feel free to plant a wall or fence, or
next to a garden.
some landscaping
around it. • Have it be part of a
rest stop or shelter;
• Consider adding a or next to a bench
bench so users can that is already there.
sit and read.
• Place it inside a
• Keep it clean, inside commons area that
and out. many people use.
For more information on Little Free Library® and its programs visit: 7
www.littlefreelibrary.org | /LittleFreeLibrary | /LtlFreeLibrary | /ltlfreelibrary | /littlefreelibrary
For parks, school districts, municipalities and other governing bodies
1. Find out whose regulations and
rules might apply.
Determining the jurisdiction that is involved such as a park, school
district, business, local agency, helps you know what rules may apply
as you prepare for installing the Library.
Many park systems and municipalities have either purchased
Libraries themselves or supported Library installation on public
land. We have found that some communities are much more worried
about setting precedents that will cost them later on.
a business, school or school district, you may have more success at
long-range implementation of the Little Free Library movement. For
example in school districts, parent associations, reading specialists,
librarians, or curriculum specialists could be key contacts within
the schools.
organization. Finding those who believe in promoting the
uniqueness of the Little Free Library by installing one is important.
Just in case you’d like to see how one city parks department han-
dles these matters, here’s an example from Madison, Wisconsin:
-
brary is to submit a proposal to the Parks Superintendent. In the
proposal you should be sure to include the following informa-
tion:
1. Description of project in detail
Things to think about:
2. Exact location in the park (with a map if possible)
3. Maintenance and upkeep plan
• Plan for peoples’ right of way - both legal 4. Any alterations/impacts to the park if applicable
and actual. Examples: bike riders, lawn
5. Budget
mowers, snowplows, walkers. Give them space.
6. Timeline for implementation
• Determine the process for maintenance in
case of damage as well as normal wear and tear. Once the Superintendent receives and reviews the proposal it
• Frequently review the appropriateness of may go before the Parks Commission for further review.
books for all (children, youth and adults).
• Prepare for proper installation.
• Prepare for unexpected taking of all books.
8 Program Guide | Little Free Library® | Updated October 2014
2. Making placement easy. Tips for installing your library:
• Have your point of installation picked out well ahead of time
making sure to have the ground checked for utility lines such as
gas, electrical or cable.
If your plans for placing a Library don’t
• Install your Library in a highly visible and well-kept spot to
work because of certain external regula-
tions, consider how you can make it as discourage vandalism.
easy as possible.
• Your Library can be installed any time of year. In cold weather
you will have to carefully pour very hot water repeatedly on the
Examples: soil where you plan to dig. The resulting sloppy, muddy mess is
easier to dig than frozen earth.
a. Avoid the entire issue of city, county or
association rules by putting your Library
near public land but not on it. Find someone
who is eager to have a Library on their
property who may be across the street or
nearby to your preferred location to a spot
that is well visited.
charge of enforcing or managing compliance
of the regulations. Ask for advice. Explain
the mission of the Little Library and
how it belongs to everyone. Take a photo
of the spot you would like the Library
you where s/he might know of a better
placement. Ask what you need to do to
comply with any rules.
c. Always be nice. If things aren’t going
exactly as you would like, ask if there is any
other way your group may be able to locate
a Little Library in the area.
d. Fill out and submit the required
applications or permit forms. Don’t forget to have a ribbon cutting party once your library
is installed! It’s a great opportunity to spread the word.
e. If necessary, seek a variance in the local
zoning rules. The Library project deserves If you are installing at a school, a teacher’s class of students or a
support because it is for everyone! dedicated staff member may make a great steward or key contact.
f. Advocate that the association, co-op, Having someone advocating for the Libraries inside of the school
local town or government board purchase system can move the process along much more quickly. In fact, some
or build the Library, and you/your group schools play the role of organizer. In Minneapolis Public Schools,
will work with them to be stewards of it. an Americorps VISTA volunteer works with the Research and
Development Department to establish Little Free Libraries at school
sites and at the homes of parents/students around the city. This
volunteer works with a variety of parent organizations to increase
parent awareness and engagement. She communicates how being
a Little Free Library steward can be a great way to enhance parent
involvement while supporting literacy.
For more information on Little Free Library® and its programs visit: 9
www.littlefreelibrary.org | /LittleFreeLibrary | /LtlFreeLibrary | /ltlfreelibrary | /littlefreelibrary
Buying or Building a Model
There are Original Little Free Libraries for All
Groups. Visit Our Website to See All of the Options
Ready-t0-install Library:
• Books Around the Block Purple Pickle Library
• More options available on our website.
• You install and supply the post or surface. Follow our
complimentary installation instructions available at
the end of this document and on our website.
Excellent for outdoor and indoor use.
Purple Pickle Library
Ready-to-paint Library:
• The Basic Library
• Arrives ready to paint. We recommend that you select a
high quality outdoor paint.
• You install and supply the post or surface. Follow our
complimentary installation instructions available at the
end of this document and on our website.
Make it unique!
Cedar Roof Basic
(The above photo is a painted example of the Cedar Basic.)
$38.45, and the opportunity once you register on our website (www.littlefreelibrary.org/registeryourlibrary)
to be on the world map, showing where each registered Little Free Library is located around the globe.
10 Program Guide | Little Free Library® | Updated October 2014Ready-to-paint and accessorize:
• The Essential
• Arrives ready to paint. We recommend that you select a
high quality outdoor paint.
• Add your own plexiglass, door closure, hinges, and
accoutrements.
• You install and supply the post or surface. Follow our
complimentary installation instructions available at the end of
this document and on our website.
Great for those who want to paint, use their
own hinges, closures, and accessories.
The Essential
Ready-to-assemble:
• The KIT for an Amish Shed
• Arrives pre-cut and ready to assemble.
• Ready to paint and accessorize. We recommend that you
select a high quality outdoor paint.
• You install and supply the post or surface. Follow our
complimentary installation instructions available at the end
of this document and on our website.
Great for groups! Takes about two hours to
assemble plus painting and drying time.
Completed Amish Shed Kit
Ready-to-assemble & fast!
• The Neighborhood Building Party Kit
• Arrives pre-cut, pre-painted & ready to assemble.
• Ready to accessorize.
• You install and supply the post or surface. Follow our
complimentary installation instructions available at the end
of this document and on our website.
Perfect team building exercise! Share the fun
and satisfaction of building these together.
Neighborhood Building Party Kit
For more information on Little Free Library® and its programs visit: 11
www.littlefreelibrary.org | /LittleFreeLibrary | /LtlFreeLibrary | /ltlfreelibrary | /littlefreelibraryFinding Resources
You can turn to people you
know for help.
People who share your interest in the
missions of promoting literacy and the
action. Many people may help, give or
share in the work such as donating books,
because you personally asked them. People
do not have to belong to a formal group to
give. Knowing you or the goals you are
reaching for such as having a well-stocked
supporting good within the community. Key words to
use when you
You can speak to groups you are ask for support:
• Literacy
involved with.
Your neighborhood association, service • Reading
club, corner store, faith-based group, • Intergener-
giving circle, book club, food co-op, youth ational outreach
or school groups, parent’s association, • Youth
retirement groups are all good places to • Engaging
start to look for interest. Citizens
Any of these groups or individuals may have time to give, person-power to provide • Access to
and or introductions to initiate with other special groups they know. Sharing or free books
volunteering at any level is welcomed. Perhaps they have a space where neighbors
can come together, a meeting could be held or a place where a Library could be.
Why People Want to Contribute
Through our review of literature, the primary reason that individuals give of their time,
talent, money and general resources is they wish to feel good about playing a positive
role in a cause they believe in. They also give because:
1. They know the children and adults
affected by the issues your Library 2. They know you and believe in what
you are doing. It has been found that
addresses. Better yet, they have been asked corporate and foundation donors give
to take part by someone they care about—a to individuals with whom they have a
child, neighbor, fellow business owner, club relationship more than to generalized
member, or colleague. requests.
12 Program Guide | Little Free Library® | Updated October 2014For larger locally owned
business contributions:
Local franchises of national chain stores
including food chains, those in malls, or
shopping centers, can usually only donate
very small amounts of merchandise at their
manager’s discretion. Partnerships have been
made with some managers at these stores
including allowing a Library to be installed
Others Who Might Be Interested are People Who- inside the store or outside in a well placed
• Care about books, reading, literacy, and learning. area.
• Care about topics related to the mission of Little Free Library.
Community and corporate foundations
• Are interested in gardening, flowers, or sharing fresh produce. require written requests ranging from a
• Are committed to causes such as aging, nature, the power of simple letter to more detailed proposals
with goals, objectives and work plans.
giving and animals/pets.
• Want to pay tribute or honor someone. Large retail and discount stores:
Walmart, Target and similar “big box” stores
Memorial and Legacy Libraries were developed out of steward
often set aside money for local programs. The
requests and are becoming more popular. Master gardeners Home Depot and Lowe’s stores have national
who are also stewards encouraged the development of the Little contribution programs for larger dollar
amounts. (sometimes thousands) Local
Free Seed Library, and build days are more in demand. stores may contribute products and small
amounts of money, especially if employees
are involved.
Local hardware and grocery
HOT Tips: stores, restaurants and other
Money isn’t everything. Involvement from individuals is many
businesses have much smaller budgets
times more important than asking for money. When you do ask for
for community causes and they are asked
many times each year for donations. Yet
It doesn’t take long for contributions of $5, $10 or $25 to add up
they like to play a positive role within the
in support of books or Libraries. Every little bit helps establish a
community where they are located and
sense of ownership. What is really important is for people to refer
get recognition too. They may offer their
to the Little Library as “ours” rather than it being thought of as just
business as an ideal location for a Little
“yours.”
Free Library.
Don’t forget arts or humanities councils, parks Some supermarkets have sales receipt
commissions, school and community foundations or your collection programs that schools and
public library system. They may have a method of funding a clubs use to earn cash funds. Food stores
Library or group of Libraries to be designed, built and or purchased. around neighborhoods will often provide
Some organizations have held contests for designing a Little Free refreshments for events, especially if
Library. Leveraging group collaboration and donations can be you buy a few of their products. Send
helpful. a request letter explaining the cause
and how many people will be involved. A
follow-up personal request that is face to
asking a business for example, if they would sell you their products face from someone who has a connection to
and services at cost or at a discount. This can especially help with the owner or manager, almost always helps.
the cost of materials needed for a Library installation. (Refer to a sample letter in our appendix)
Thank You!
For believing in the mission of Little Free Library and giving of your time. We invite you to further look at our
funds for books and Little Free Libraries being placed in much needed areas.
For more information on Little Free Library® and its programs visit: 13
www.littlefreelibrary.org | /LittleFreeLibrary | /LtlFreeLibrary | /ltlfreelibrary | /littlefreelibraryInstalling and Celebrating! It is time to celebrate your hard efforts. You have located where you want to place your Library and have installed it. Congratulations! We recommend that within a short time of completing the installation of your Little Free Library that you announce its arrival. We have a sample letter for you to use or you can simply inform your neighbors in any creative fashion you like. Some have used hand made postcards, email blasts or phone calls. The more personal contact you have the better the response. Spreading the word! It is also recommended that, as you are ready to launch your book exchange that you invite people to come see the Library and to select or donate a book or two. Other stewards have held special events such as a book reading or potluck to meet and greet neighbors. Some have had grand openings where snacks and refreshments were provided as part of a special ribbon cutting ceremony. What ever you decide to do, gathering your neighbors, family and friends around a Library “Kick Off”, can build a sense of shared stewarding and partnership. Having individuals continuously select and take home books to enjoy is a true sign of the Library’s success, therefore contributing to our shared sense of purpose. 14 Program Guide | Little Free Library® | Updated October 2014
Installation Instructions
Materials
• 8’ - 4” x 4” post
• 2’ - 2” x 6” piece of wood
• 6 - 2 1/2” lag screws
• 3” exterior lag screws
• 3” lag bolts
1. To start, you will need an 8’ 4” x 4” treated
post. Any kind will work, but cedar tone is our
favorite.
2. Cut the post 5’ long.
3. With the remaining piece make side angle
braces. Cut each piece 10 3/4” long and cut 45°
angles on the ends.
4. Cut a platform as wide as the Little Free
Library out of the 2” x 6” piece of wood.
5. Mount the angled braces to the 5’ post with
3” exterior lag screws and then attach the 2”x6”
platform using 6 - 2 1/2” lag screws. First, pre-
drill a slightly smaller hole to make it easier
to install the lag screw. Use 3” lag screws to
enhance the holding power. 24” deep
6. Dig a 24” deep hole and install the post.
Make sure to use a level and tamp the dirt hard
with a shovel to secure the post.
45
°
45
°
7. Drill 6 holes through the top of the Little
45
°
”
45
10
¾
Free Library. The holes need to match up with
°
10
¾
”
the post platform. Use the 6 - 2 1/2” lag screws
to attach the platform to the library.
3.
8. You are done! Now take a picture of you and
your friends by your Little Free Library and
register it via our website at
www.littlefreelibrary.org/registeryourlibrary. width of library
This is your direct link to the registration form.
9. Build another Little Free Library. People
always say, you can’t just build one!
5.
4.
Go to www.littlefreelibrary.org/builders for help and tips.
For more information on Little Free Library® and its programs visit: 15
www.littlefreelibrary.org | /LittleFreeLibrary | /LtlFreeLibrary | /ltlfreelibrary | /littlefreelibraryBooks Around the Block Program Guide
Little Free Library® ©2009-2014
www.littlefreelibrary.org | /LittleFreeLibrary | /LtlFreeLibrary | /ltlfreelibrary | /littlefreelibraryYou can also read
