Slideshow - Little Free Libraries Livability in Action

Little Free Libraries in All Sorts of Places

Local bookstores are becoming harder to find but readers worldwide are helping ensure that books still play a role in making a community a great place to live

Take a Book Leave the Flowers

In big ways and small, similar to the one pictured here help make communities more livable. Learn why they exist, where they're located and, if you're so inspired, how to create one for where you live.

This Schoohouse Rocks

In 2009, of Hudson, Wisconsin, built a model of a one-room schoolhouse in honor of his mother, a former teacher. He put the little building on a post in his front yard and filled it with books to give away.

Once Upon a Time

Bol's neighbors and friends liked his little book box, so he built more and gave them away. In 2012, Little Free Library became a nonprofit, and the idea grew into a global movement.

Books for Kids and Adults

By the end of 2016, more than 50,000 Little Free Libraries of varying sizes and styles had been installed in all 50 U.S. states and more than 70 countries.

The Little Free Library Mission

Little Free Library describes itself as an "organization that inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world."

Books for Girls and Boys

A Little Free Library can be made out of anything, including an old newspaper box. Interested donors can help place Little Free Libraries where they're needed most by donating to the nonprofit's .

Self-Service Shopping

Initially referred to as , the name Little Free Library came about because that's what users were calling the book distribution boxes.

The Little Book Swap

As free book exchanges, Little Free Libraries are like mini town squares where people can share books with neighbors.

A World of Books

Hosts (or ) are asked to register their structures for adding to the . The book exchanges operate on the honor system. Readers may take a book without leaving one, but adding is encouraged.

Homemade or Ready-Made

The cost to build a little library varies based on the materials and labor involved. Ready-made libraries range from $149 to $995, and . A Little Free Library includes an engraved charter sign.

Custom Construction

Library makers are encouraged to use their imaginations for how they want their book sharing structures to look. The Little Free Library website offers for library builders.

Books Bloom in the Desert

Library stewards are encouraged to use their libraries for , such as for a summer reading club, children's story time, a book club or holiday gift exchange.

Giving Back

Little Free Library's invites people to "read books on timely topics" and "take part in meaningful — and fun — service projects to benefit their communities." This library was created by a community garden volunteer.

Don t Forget to Shut the Door

Oh, wait. The pulley and weight on this Little Library, built by an architect and his three young daughters, is the engineering for a self-closing door. Library doors do need to be closed to protect the books from wind, rain and snow.

Self-Serve for All Sizes

Kids can be in charge of a library. and can adopt a library. Bibliophiles can share books — including, in the case of the blue library, those by a famous neighbor. (Can you guess who?)

A King s Castle

Author doesn't have a at his spooky, gated home, which is a fan attraction. If he's in need of a read or wants to donate copies of The Shining or Misery, he can take a short stroll to his neighbor's little library.

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