Little Free Libraries

What is a Little Free Library, and what’s so special about it?

A Little Free Library is a “take a book, return a book” free book exchange. They come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common version is a small wooden box of books. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share.

Little Free Library book exchanges have a unique, personal touch. There is an understanding that real people are sharing their favorite books with their community; Little Libraries have been called “mini-town squares.”

Why is FPC getting involved in Little Free Libraries?

Through our ministry at Alcott Elementary school in Pontiac and elsewhere, FPC has a longstanding commitment to promote literacy and education. Little Free Libraries are a great way to do that, and to build community at the same time.

Respondents to our mission survey last fall expressed an interest in promoting children’s education and doing more for the Pontiac community. With the opportunity of utilizing mission funds from our Vision Campaign, we can invest in this project in an impactful way for local communities and our congregation.

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How can I help?
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The Session of FPC has voted to designate $10,000 from the mission funds from our Vision Campaign to install 20-30 Little Free Libraries during the summer of 2016. Future funding of more libraries is possible if this project is a success.

We will need several teams of people to make this vision a reality:

• Locations and Stewards – a team of 4-5 people to connect with local non-profits, churches, businesses, schools, neighborhoods in target areas to discern the best locations for our libraries and recruit stewards for each library.
• Design and Build – while we have the option to purchase pre-made Little Free Libraries, and may do so for some locations, we will ideally build most of the libraries ourselves. This is the most economical option and provides the most impact on our church community. This team will also install the libraries in their various locations.
• Decorate – will work with the Design and Build team to add the Little Free Library plaque and to make each library creative, unique, and suitable for its location.
• Books – this team will work with Locations and Stewards and Design and Build to determine how many books each library will need and which kind of books will be most appropriate for each location. They will ascertain the best way to go about collecting and purchasing books for each library. Each book will be stamped to show it belongs to the Little Free Library. A list of most-desired books for children and young adults can be found here.

Where can I get more information?
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To learn more about the global Little Free Libraries movement, visit the Little Free Libraries website.

To learn about a local effort to place 313 Little Free Libraries in Detroit, visit the Detroit Little Libraries website. 

To volunteer to help with FPC's Little Free Libraries, contact Cindy Merten. 

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How Do I Volunteer to Plant a Library?

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​Would you like to plant a Little Free Library with us?

Each Little Free Library needs a special caretaker of its own. These book lovers are called library stewards. A library steward helps with the following tasks:
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      Choose the best location to plant the library at their home, business, school or organization.
      Plan a grand opening event (if you’d like to host one).
      Welcome and engage with the people who visit the library.
      Keep the library stocked with appropriate books. (We’ll help with this, just call and we’ll drop off a new supply.)
      Tidy up and maintain the library on a regular basis.