Overview
Around the world, a community movement is underway featuring quaint landscape structures mounted on posts in front yards and other green spaces, as well as supported in large pots and other vessels outside homes and businesses on busy urban streets. They are evidence of the growing trend toward neighborhood organization, community outreach, and in some cases, a quiet protest against book bans.
This movement has been popularized by Minnesota-based Little Free Library (LFL), whose members currently include 200,000 library stewards around the world who seek to build community togetherness and promote reading by sharing books among neighbors. LFL has inspired builders to use similar structures to share things like CDs, food, and seeds in the community.
Produced in cooperation with the Little Free Library nonprofit organization and authored by professional carpenter Phil Schmidt, How to Build Your Very Own Little Free Library is the builder’s complete source of inspiration and how-to knowledge. This newly updated, information-packed guide features:
- A how-to for planning and designing your little sharing structure
- An overview of building materials and tools
- 11 complete plans for structures of varying sizes and aesthetics
- Step-by-step color photography and instructions
- A gallery of tiny structures, along with uplifting words from stewards, for further inspiration
- Information on proper installation of the small structures
- Common repairs and maintenance for down the road
- Timely information on how LFL has become part of the growing movement against book bans
How to Build Your Very Own Little Free Library even includes information on how to become an official library steward, getting the word out about your little structure once it’s up and running, and tips for building a lively collection. Also included are QR codes for additional building videos as well as interactive maps for locating other LFLs near you—or wherever you may travel!
Community togetherness has never been so much at the fore of our consciousness—or so important. How to Build Your Very Own Little Free Library is one tool on the road to helping you build community in your neighborhood.
This book title, How to Build Your Very Own Little Free Library (11 Mini Structures You Can Build), ISBN: 9780760398821, by Little Free Little Free Library, Philip Schmidt, published by Cool Springs Press (September 2, 2025) is available in paperback. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
Unlike Amazon and other retailers who may also offer How to Build Your Very Own Little Free Library (11 Mini Structures You Can Build) books on their website, we specialize in large quantities and provide personal service, from trusted, experienced, friendly people in Portland, Oregon. We offer a Price Match Guarantee, and QuickQuote form, to make purchasing quick and easy.
Prefer to work with a human being when you order How to Build Your Very Own Little Free Library (11 Mini Structures You Can Build) books in bulk? Our Book Specialists are standing by Monday-Friday 8-5 PST, ready to help!