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Vermontscapes September 2022

Little Free Libraries in Vermont

You’ve probably spotted one while walking or driving down a street – a miniature cottage-like box containing an assortment of books and sitting atop a post. Look closer and you’ll see a sign identifying the object as a Little Free Library (LFL). The nonprofit organization’s mission is “to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Libraries.”

These book-sharing boxes are always open, always accessible. The organization grants no-cost LFLs full of books to underserved urban, suburban, rural, and Indigenous communities and other high-need areas. Through its Read in Color program, LFL makes books available representing BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other diverse voices to promote understanding, empathy, and inclusion. According to the Little Free Library website, more than 150,000 Little Free Libraries in over 100 countries share more than 70 million books each year.

The LFL website also explains how to build a book-sharing box, or you can purchase one from LFL’s online store. A map shows the locations of book-sharing boxes throughout the country, including those below that Communications Teamsters discovered near their home offices. 

Every Little Free Library has a tag showing its unique charter number.

 

Berlin Street, Barre

 

Mill Street, Barre, from afar

 

Mill Street, Barre, up close

 

One of four in St. Johnsbury

 

More images coming soon!