“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Dr. Seuss
Creating beautiful book exchanges across the UK to promote reading, art and community engagement.
Sharing stories - Inspiring a culture of kindness.
About
Creating beautiful book exchanges across the UK to promote reading, art and community engagement.
Each book exchange is artfully decorated and filled with beautiful books for people of all ages to read, share and enjoy.
The project was founded in 2014 by Director, Nick Cheshire and is now based in Totnes, Devon. Over the past 12 years we have built and installed book exchanges right across the UK and supported a network of community volunteers to create and build their own little book sharing venues.
There are now hundreds of Little Free Libraries installed in schools, universities, parks, cafes, front gardens, community spaces and more all across the UK, each one unique and each one promoting a love of reading, art and sharing.
Get involved
There are lots of ways to get involved, from starting your own book exchange to donating books or becoming one of our passionate volunteers.
Build your own book exchange
Build your own beautiful book exchange and let your imagination run wild with your own unique design.
Support our cause.
Purchase a custom made book exchange
Made in our Devon based magic workshop from FSC certified materials.
A fully built book exchange, decorated by one of our amazing artists, a bundle of 10 children's books with full installation guide.
Contact us to find out more.
Donate books to your nearest Little Free Library or community book exchange.
Donate books
A Little Free Library for your school
We've installed our book exchanges in schools across the UK. We work with publishers and authors to arrange magical experiences for children, including book readings and illustrator workshops.
We also offer guided creative project sessions for schools and teachers to support your literacy and art endeavors. Contact us to find out more.
Volunteer
Join our team to help spread reading and creativity in your local area. From donating books, to becoming a community book exchange builder. Contact us to find out more.
We've created a wide variety of stunning, bespoke book exchanges from replica phone boxes to the iconic TARDIS. Contact us to find out more.
Bespoke Book exchanges
"I think books are like people, in the sense that they’ll turn up in your life when you most need them."
Emma Thompson
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a Little Free Library near me?
You can use the Little Free Library world map at littlefreelibrary.org/map to search for registered book exchanges near you.
I can't find a Little Free Library near me. What can I do?
If there are no Little Free Libraries listed in your area, you might consider starting one. Little Free Library Project UK can help you design, build and install a book exchange in your community. You can then register it as an official Little Free Library. See the section below for further details.
How do I get a Little Free Library?
Little Free Library Project UK designs and builds bespoke, high-quality wooden book exchanges suited to a wide range of settings, from schools and community centres to parks and private gardens. You can also build your own. Set your creativity free!
Do I need permission to install a Little Free Library?
It depends on where you would like to install it. If the book exchange will be placed on private land (such as a school, community centre, café, church, workplace or front garden) you will usually need the permission of the landowner or person responsible for that site. If you would like to install it in a public space, we recommend contacting your local authority first. They can confirm who owns or manages the land and whether any permission, safety checks or other approvals are needed.
Who should I contact at the local authority?
A good starting point is usually the local authority’s community engagement, community development, neighbourhoods or public realm team. They may then refer the enquiry to another department depending on the proposed location.
Is planning permission usually required?
In the public space projects we have supported, local authority permission was given and planning permission was not required. However, each location is different, so this should always be checked with the relevant local authority. In some cases, the local authority may carry out a health and safety impact assessment before agreeing to the installation.
What locations work best?
Little Free Libraries tend to work best in places where there is regular footfall, good visibility and a sense of community ownership. The best sites are usually places where people naturally pass by and where someone nearby can keep an eye on the book exchange.
How do I register my book exchange to make it an official Little Free Library and appear on the world map?
It's easy! Just visit the registration page of Little Free Library here.
How is a Little Free Library installed?
Most Little Free Libraries are mounted on a post or fixed to an existing structure such as a wall or fence. The installation method will depend on the site and surface. Little Free Library Project UK can manage the full installation process for the units we build, including site assessment, post installation and fixing.
Can Little Free Library Project UK help with the whole process?
Yes. We can support you at every stage, from choosing a suitable location and preparing a proposal for your local authority or landowner, through to design, build, installation and registration as an official Little Free Library. We can also provide information about the book exchange’s purpose, likely community benefits and stewardship arrangements.
How much does it cost to commission a Little Free Library from LFLUK?
Costs vary depending on the size, design and complexity of the unit required. Please contact us to find out more. We also work with schools and community organisations to support funding applications and grant bids where budgets are limited.
Contact
hello@littlefreelibraryproject.co.uk
Project Director: Nick Cheshire
Little Free Library Project UK is a registered community interest company (Registration no. 17190383)
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