Take a Book – Return a Book LITTLE FREE LIBRARY.ORG

About Little Free Library.org A proven grassroots social enterprise model that provides greater access to books for all ages Connects neighbors and communities together Designed, decorated and cared for by local volunteers

History - Little Free Library.org 2009 Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin Built a one room schoolhouse model as a tribute to his mother (former school teacher) Filled it with books and mounted the model in the front yard of his mother’s home

Mission - Little Free Library.org To promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide To build a sense of community as we share skills, creativity and wisdom across generations

Key Strategies - Little Free Library.org Promotion of reading for children Promotion of literacy for adults Build libraries around the world

Little Free Library.org Provides better access to books: To areas not served by a traditional library, a new or used bookstore or thrift shop To those who have limited access to technology To those with limited financial resources

The Little Free Library.org Mission To promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide To build a sense of community as we share skills, creativity and wisdom across generations To build more then 50,000 libraries around the world

EWI and Little Free Library.org An inexpensive, creative way to promote literacy within the chapters’ territories An opportunity to partner with organizations, associations, companies and individuals to promote literacy

EWI and Little Free Library.org An opportunity to promote EWI, its mission, vision and values An opportunity to create recruitment and retention activities

Little Free Library – A Few Easy Steps 1.Identify a “steward” 2.Register at 3.Registration costs are: $38.45 (standard - barn wood) $40.45 (upgrade - aluminum) $74.95 (custom)

Role of a Steward Care for a Little Free Library so it becomes and continues a long life as a vital, engaging resource for the neighborhood or community Welcome participation, create and maintain a friendly place in and around the library Encourage people to share responsibility for the library

Steward... The Steward can be a committee Utilize community volunteers Partner with the beneficiary Share the responsibility

Register Click on “register” Enter information Make payment Steward’s Packet will arrive in 3 – 6 weeks

Steward’s Guide 1.Locating your Little Free Library 2.Installing, Celebrating and Taking Care of Your Library 3.How to Build and Sustain Support 4.Vandalism: How to Prevent it and What to do if it Happens 5.Tips from the Field 6.How to Install Your Little Free Library

Key Decisions 1.Finance the Little Free Library 2.Purchase a Little Free Library 3.Build and decorate the Little Free Library 4.Advertise / launch the Little Free Library 5.Monitor / restock the Little Free Library

Finance the Little Free Library 1.Be creative 2.Chapter resources 3.Seek sponsorships (from member firms) 4.Partner with organizations (e.g., hospitals, local businesses) 5.Request donations from large retail and discount stores (e.g., Walmart, Lowes, Target)

Purchase a Little Free Library 1.Many choices and designs 2.Prices range from $ to $1, Neighborhood Building Party Kit (pictured above) features (4) little libraries - $999.95

Build / Decorate / Install Library 1.24 library choices 2.Library “kits” provide specific instruction for building the library 3.Many of the libraries are “built to order” and arrive ready to install 4.Many libraries are shipped with $150 worth of books donated by friends of Little Free Library

Build... 1.Basic carpentry skills are recommended for installation 2.Purchase additional materials: 4” x 4” x 8’ post 2” x 6” x 2’ piece of wood 6 each 2 1/2 “ lag screws 3” external lag screws 3” lag bolts

Advertise / Launch Little Free Library 1.Flyers to neighbors 2.Letters to businesses 3.Welcome party 4.Inform media (newspapers, radio, television)

Monitor / Restock Little Free Library 1.Get community involved in library 2.Ask local businesses to providing ongoing support 3.Build a backup reserve of books (purchased or donated) 4.Engage community families 5.Keep it simple !

Resources – Little Free Library 1.Chapter Implementation Guide 2.Sample announcement flyer 3.Implementation tips 4.Fundraising tips 5.Ewiconnect.com

Resources – ewiconnect.org Community / Philanthropy Little Free Libraries SHORTCUT:

Link to register via the Little Free Library website Book exchange handbook Decide on a location Get involved tips How does this library work How to get involved How to register How to build and sustain support How to donate books How to spread the word Impact at a glance Little Free Library flyer Sample announcement flyer Tips to fund Vandalism Chapter Implementation Guide Steward Guide

Get started ! 1.There is no right way to implement a Little Free Library 2.Be creative 3.Be resourceful 4.Make your own way