Little Free Libraries: Big on Sharing in Hyde Park

By Mary Casey-Sturk

Colorful cases filled with books, kids stopping to make their selections and perhaps even starting the first chapter on the walk home, someone stopping their car to quickly add to it.  Maybe you’ve seen one while driving in your neighborhood, maybe you’ve contributed a book or taken one, but what are these Little Free Libraries that have been popping up in recent years around our community? 

Little Free Library is the world’s largest book sharing movement, urging readers to “take a book, leave a book”. In 2009, the first Little Free Library was built by Todd H. Bol in memory of his mother who had passed away. Moving forward, the nonprofit Little Free Library was founded in 2012 and many people (this writer included) have created Libraries to honor loved ones who have passed away. Other Libraries fill voids in communities where children (and adults) don’t have ready access to reading materials, while others are designed to engage neighborhood readers.  

Why does access to books matter? According to the nonprofit, “We are facing a growing literacy crisis. Today in the United States, more than 30 million adults cannot read or write above a third-grade level. Studies have repeatedly shown that books in the hands of children have a meaningful impact on improving literacy. The more books in or near the home, the more likely a child will learn and love to read. But two out of three children living in poverty have no books to call their own.”  

Based in Hudson, Wisconsin, Little Free Library’s 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 Libraries. “Our vision is a Little Free Library in every community and a book for every reader. We believe all people are empowered when the opportunity to discover a personally relevant book to read is not limited by time, space, or privilege.”  

There are also specific programs they embrace to be more inclusive such as their Read in Color initiative that distributes books providing perspectives on racism and social justice, celebrate marginalized voices and include experiences from all identities. According to the Little Free Library, less than 25% of children’s books depict non-white characters. They share that books can be windows into experiences different from our own and by reading diverse books, one can increase understanding, empathy, and inclusion.  

Another program is Unbound, a digital series connecting book lovers of all kinds to chat about literacy, book sharing and more. With guest panelists, the moderator leads a discussion with a question-and-answer session. Panelists often include writers and bookstore owners.

Currently, there are 125,000 registered Libraries in more than 100 countries. Some 42 million books are shared annually. Each Little Free Library carries a charter number that tracks their location. While there are other shared libraries around, only those with charters are tracked.  Individuals who have installed a Library in their neighborhood are called Stewards and generally (with a little help from their friends) are responsible for purchasing, installing, registering and stocking the Library. They look to used book sales, friends and even hold book drives to get the Library running and keep check on the number of books in their Library and what people are enjoying. Stewards also get connected with resources through the official program such as free and discounted books and share stories.  

Each chartered Little Free Library comes with a charter number and a tag that states, “take a book, share a book” and that’s meaningful because everyone gets the opportunity to take a book and share a book if they can. Readers are welcome to keep the book or return it. The nonprofit sells finished Libraries, or you can build your own and then purchase a tag with a charter number.  

Once a Library is registered, you can visit www.littlefreelibrary.org and look for Libraries near you. There is also a free mobile app you can download. In the Hyde Park area, there are several and you can simply enter, 45208 in the map search, to find one convenient for you.  For example, there is one at 3631 Michigan Avenue as well as one at 2552 Observatory Avenue (on the corner of Burch Avenue). It might also be fun to see if there is a Library in a city you plan to visit and perhaps you might want to leave a book about your hometown there! While visiting their website, you can also see other ways to help and engage.

The next time you pass a Little Free Library, consider the mission beyond the bindings, and share it (and a book) with others.  

Pictured: Little Free Libraries at 2552 Observatory. Photo by Mary Casey-Sturk