How to make your own Little Free Library

Six months after Robyn Bonavita and her husband, Rocco, moved into their home in North Bellmore in 2024, she found a way to combine her love of reading with meeting her new neighbors. Bonavita set up Robyn’s Little Free Library, a book-sharing box on her front lawn where adults and kids can borrow or donate free books.

“I’ve gotten to know who the readers in the neighborhood are, which is super exciting because then you have someone to talk about books with,” said Bonavita, 47, a former teacher, who has a book-themed Instagram account.

Robyn’s Little Free Library, which Rocco Bonavita repurposed from a kitchen cabinet with shingles to match their home, is on a pole near the sidewalk. It’s 20-by-30 inches, and two shelves accommodate 60 books for adults and children. It’s registered with Little Free Library, an international book-sharing nonprofit based in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“We provide greater, more equitable book access in neighborhoods worldwide,” said Sarah Howd, the organization’s administrative assistant.

Howd said that since the group became a nonprofit in 2012 it has issued more than 200,000 new libraries, also called charters. Registered libraries have a metal sign that reads “Little Free Library” with the charter number. A charter gives library owners — called stewards — the option to have it included on a world map to help patrons find and share books. Howd said they also partner with publishers and bookstores for monthly giveaways so stewards can get free books.

The idea is that stewards will initially stock their libraries with books for adults, children or both, and then people will donate their own.

“Most stewards find that over time it can become self-sustaining,” Howd said.

If you want to start your own, Howd said to first identify an accessible location on your property, like near the curb. She recommends checking with your local zoning office to make sure there are no setback or other restrictions.

Bonavita checks hers every day and adds new books at least once a week. “It’s been an amazing experience because people tell me they’ll take walks past my house with their kids so that they can see what’s in the library,” she said.

Want to find a Little Free Library near you? Try the Little Free Library mobile app.