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How to Build Your Own Little Free Library Review

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Have you ever considered building your own little free library? My husband and I have, honestly, considered it for years. While we are a family of readers, he grew up with a mother who was a teacher, and I was a teacher before becoming a writer. For me, one of the most important ways we can help our community is by spreading the love of reading to children and adults. Books are expensive, though, because I much prefer putting books in these neighborhood libraries rather than trading them for cash. The biggest issue for us was not knowing where to start, which was one of the reasons we were so excited when we were given a chance to review a complimentary copy of How to Build Your Own Little Free Library: 11 Mini Structures You Can Build. Once my book arrived, I couldn’t wait to start reading and looking at plans!

book cover of How to Build Your Own Little Free Librarydisclosure picture saying product received in exchange for review without monetary payment

How to Build Your Own Little Free Library: What Is It

Are you considering building your little library for your neighborhood, but don’t know where to start? If so, you will love How to Build Your Own Little Free Library: 11 Mini Structures You Can Build by the Little Free Library Foundation and Philip Schmidt. Here is what the publisher has to say about this new book:

From the Publisher of How to Build Your Own Little Free Library:

Expand the book-sharing movement to your community with How to Build Your Very Own Little Free Library—your photo-illustrated, inspirational source for building tiny sharing libraries.

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.

Our Thoughts

As someone who has considered building her own library for her side of the neighborhood, I have to say I love this book. The author does a fantastic job making the entire process approachable, from planning to finding materials and determining which design is best for your household’s needs. My favorite design was actually one that included not just the little free library but an area for sharing plants, too. They also explain why you should have a library and some holidays you can celebrate (such as Banned Book Day). As someone who used to teach and loves reading, I am a huge fan of How to Build Your Own Little Free Library: 11 Mini Structures You Can Build and recommend it to anyone looking at adding one to their property.

How to Build Your Own Little Free Library: Where to Purchase

Would you like to purchase this book to make your library or for a family member who has been considering it? How to Build Your Own Little Free Library: 11 Mini Structures You Can Build is available on Amazon.com for under $25 (in paperback or Kindle format). Who knew building your little free library could be so easy?
Want to see more books like this one? Check out our complete list of book reviews here.

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book cover of How to Build Your Own Little Free Library

About 

Susan Bewley is a professional writer who has been writing content online & in print format for over 10 years. As well, she is an alumni of the University of Louisville with a Masters Degree in Special Education. When not working as an online business consultant or ghost writing, she can be found writing on Budget Earth, on her own novel, or working with various entities in the pet industry.