America is facing a growing literacy crisis, with more than 30 million adults who cannot read or write above a third-grade level. 61% of U.S. children who live at or below the poverty line have no access to books at home—a dire issue, considering access to books is considered one of the strongest predicators of academic success.
Which is why Little Free Libraries, a nonprofit organization that empowers communities by providing 24/7 book access feels like a breath of fresh air. Surely, you’ve seen them, either in your neighborhood or another. Well-kept, manicured boxes placed on the sidewalk, filled with cherished Harry Potterpaperbacks and dog-eared novels. Usually, you’ll see the words “take one, leave one” adorned somewhere. The Los Angeles Times writes, “Each library is a reflection of its community, showcasing a microcosm of local interests, passions, and generosity… Every box is a potential discovery, offering the thrill of finding an unexpected title or the joy of leaving a beloved story for someone else to pick up. They become natural pausing points, inviting us to linger, browse and perhaps strike up a conversation with a fellow book lover.” As of last year, the nonprofit counted 175,000 Little Free Libraries in 121 countries and estimates they’re responsible for approximately 400 million books shared.
But why should the fun stop at books?
Well, it doesn’t have to! Across the United States, Little Free Libraries are getting creative, with boxes filled with various untold treasures. From tiny free plant stands to community art galleries, here are 8 creative Little Free Library spin-offs guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Tiny art, big heart
In 2021, Siel Ju went on a walk around Las Cruces, New Mexico. Suddenly, she stumbled upon a small wonder: a Little Free Art Gallery, complete with tiny art lovers and miniature exhibitions. The sign below it reads, “Welcome to the smallest art gallery in the Las Alturas neighborhood. Now that you are here, have a look around. Feel free to take a piece or leave a piece—or both. Experimentations and imperfections are gladly accepted. Please leave the gallery’s easels, bench, and five patrons.”
This particular box was created by Gabriele Teich, who says, “I built the gallery within a week. And I had so much fun! I like working with wood. I'm mainly a printmaker at the moment, but I also do acrylic paintings and calligraphy and quilting and woodworking… [I made the initial art pieces] and there's still a lot of mine in there. I've also encouraged all my artists friends here to come by and put something in.
American art critic, Jerry Saltz, commented: “This is tremendous. Should be in Whitney Museum’s Biennial.”
A blast from the (little free) past
Welcome to the beautiful world of Free Blockbuster, a Little Free Library spin-off that’s focused on providing free entertainment to as many people as possible. Neighborhood boxes are spraypainted cobalt blue and are slapped with the long-gone video rental shop’s iconic logo (which the Free Blockbuster organization offers stickers and stencils of on their website.)
“Take a movie, leave a movie. Be kind, rewind!” That’s the motto. In these DIY boxes, you’ll find VHS tapes, DVDs, video games, music, reels of film, VCRs, DVD players, and anything else needed for the perfect weekend in. Check the map to find a Free Blockbuster near you.
Blockbuster GIF by Big Potato GamesGiphy
Leaf a plant, take a plant
A charming trend sweeping the gardening community: Little Free Plant Stands. Take Jackie Bracey's cute little stand for example, pictured above. She and her neighbors in Eagle Rock, California work hard to keep the hand-painted shelves stocked with free succulents, cacti, herbs, and sweetpea seeds.
Vroom vroom
It’s time to buckle up: In Louisville, Kentucky, you’ll find a Little Free Auto Shop filled with community-sourced Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars. The teeny box was created by longtime Louisville residents Bethany Sartell and her husband Drew, along with their children, Quinn, Rowan, and Rhett.
“I think there [are] things that you’re just drawn to in life that put a little spark in your heart, and I knew immediately that that’s something I wanted in my front yard,” Sartell said. “You can see the delight. It’s supposed to just spark something special. We don’t see everybody that goes by, but the people we do see are just so excited about it.”
Pull Up Fast And Furious GIF by The Fast SagaGiphy
Grab your skeins
For all the knit lovers and crafty people, Good Neighbour created their Little Free Fibre Library: a cabinet in Calgary, Canada overflowing with hooks, needles, patterns, books, yarn skeins, project bags, and more.
Calgary’s first pay-what-you-can market, Good Neighbor also offers clothing and non-perishable foods for the community. It’s a pilot project that hopes to bring the community together for “a dignified and fun shopping environment for everybody, regardless of their ability to pay,” says Alice Lam, the co-founder of Good Neighbour and the Calgary Community Fridge.
Kindness rocks
In the lane, snow is glistening
In cold-weather places like Minneapolis and upstate New York, snow-capped hills are dotted with Little Sled Libraries. For example, in the Olentangy River Parklands—a pretty, serene hiking trail in the summer that transforms into a splendid winter wonderland later on in the year—you’ll find the community’s Little Sled Library. The rules are simple: (1) Grab a sled from the library. (2) Have a blast sledding down the hill. (3) Return the sled when you’re done. (4) And if you have an extra sled at home, bring it and donate it!
Charlie Brown Snow GIFGiphy
Dog tales
These Little Free Library spin-offs have gone to the dogs! Canine companions are able join in on the neighborhood comraderie with Little Dog Libraries. “Take a stick, leave a stick,” many signs read (as if dogs can read human writing… but that conversation's for another day.)
