Have you ever seen a Little Free Library?
There are more than 40 of them in Bureau and Lasalle counties. You can see these libraries in Walnut, Mendota, Peru, Lasalle, Granville, Spring Valley, Tiskilwa, Dover, and Princeton.
Perchance, the co-founder of the Little free library movement, well, moved to Princeton! Then, the Princeton Public Library expressed an interest in little free libraries, and in 2016 Midwest Partners and the “big” library invited residents and patrons to follow their lead in building a creative selection of unique Little Free Library models.
The “take a book, leave a book” little libraries have made it possible for all kids and adults to exchange thousands of books to date in North Central Illinois — not to mention the millions of books exchanged worldwide.
These little libraries are in front yards, next to schools and churches, at social service agencies, restaurants, coffee shops, and other businesses.
As of January 2022, there were more than 138,000 registered Little Free Libraries in at least 112 countries.
Lately, they’ve also inspired “blessing boxes” and micro pantries, as well as Little Free art galleries, gardens — and even “take a stick, leave a stick” boxes at dog parks!
Looking to build a Little Free Library in your neighborhood?
Rotary clubs, Scouts groups, the Lions Club, and many other organizations have sponsored and built Little Free Libraries in our areas, and you can too! You can buy a pre-made or DIY kit — so you can build it with your family or pull it right out of the box and install it! Learn more by visiting the Little Free Library website.
Want a Free Copy of the Book?
Thinking about building a library, but not sure where to start? We can help you brainstorm your Little Free Library project. Reach out and request a book — or stop by the Depot for a conversation.