In case you hadn’t noticed, Little Free Libraries are popping up all over coastal neighborhoods like mushrooms after rain.

“Take a Book, Share a Book” is the rule for Little Free Libraries, a St. Paul, Minn.-based nonprofit whose 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 Library book-exchange boxes.

The nonprofit notes its vision is “to have a Little Free Library in every community and a book for every reader, believing all people are empowered when the opportunity to discover a personally relevant book to read is not limited by time, space, or privilege.”

Christina Wainwright, manager of Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library, noted the library doesn’t officially participate in the Little Free Library program. “But we are thrilled whenever we see community-led efforts to encourage literacy,” she said. “The Friends of the Pacific Beach Library have done some promotions in the past where they give free or discounted books from their sales to neighbors who operate Little Free Libraries. I’ve spoken with some neighbors who operate them who have told me that they make a point to pick up books from the Friends’ book sales, especially since they sell them for 50% off on the first Wednesday of each month.”

Kathy Hargrove, a Crown Point resident who previously worked for Head Start, a federally funded program promoting school readiness, gives presentations on the Little Free Library at public libraries like Pacific Beach’s Taylor Branch. She discussed her experience as a four-year owner of a Little Free Library, noting hers specializes in “free books for kids.”

Of the origin of her Little Free Library, Hargrove said: “I saw these libraries all over and my neighborhood was missing one. So I started researching them and that’s how it all started.”

Hargrove went to the Little Free Library website and purchased a $350 library kit online. After that, she registered her new library, which was added to an online map where people can find the locations of all Little Free Libraries in their neighborhoods. She hasn’t regretted making that move.

“The books are free and popular with kids and help to improve their reading skills,” Hargrove said adding, after she got one, that another Little Free Library popped up on a neighbor’s property down the street. She cautioned those considering following suit however that “you have to put your library on your property, not commercial property, where you have to get permission. You can’t just stick these things anywhere.”

Of her experience with a Little Free Library, Hargove related: “They are excellent. People find out where they’re at.” She however warned that, “Every now and then someone comes by and grabs everything and I have to fill it up again.”

Hargrove also cautioned any Little Free Library owner that “you have to monitor your books or they get stale,” adding “You need to take responsibility to keep it going.”

Hargrove characterizes the libraries as a “community thing.” She pointed out she likes to fill her library with youth-oriented books featuring lots of mysteries, documentaries, and self-help books. “People are looking right now for answers,” she noted.

Hargrove will be presenting on Little Free Libraries at San Diego Public Library’s How-To Festival being held Saturday, May 10 from noon to 12:20 p.m., at Pacific Highlands Ranch Library at 12911 Pacific Place.

LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES

1. They provide 24/7 book access. LFL book-sharing boxes are open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and are freely accessible to all, removing barriers to book access.

   2. They foster new Little Free Libraries. LFL equips, educates, and guides volunteer stewards to establish Little Free Libraries in their communities.

   3. They are granted in high-need areas. Through LFL programs, grants at no cost provide LFL books to underserved urban, suburban, rural, and Indigenous communities.

   4. Diverse books are championed. Through a Read in Color program, LFL makes books available representing BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other diverse voices to promote understanding, empathy, and inclusion.

   5. They work with key community partners. LFL collaborates with schools, public libraries, civic organizations, businesses, and other groups to bring LFLs to their communities.

LFL’s goals and strategies are shaped by a dedicated staff and an engaged board of directors. Together, LFL’s work is guided by:

Access: By providing greater, more equitable book access in neighborhoods worldwide, LFL works to strengthen communities and influence literacy outcomes.

Collaboration: LFL volunteer stewards, as well as local and national partners, work to build community and improve book access.

Equity: LFL is dedicated to furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion through the programs it runs, the books it shares, and the communities served, as well as in the internal operations of the nonprofit.

Respect: LFL values all people and communities, and respects their wisdom in using LFLs in a meaningful, individualistic way suited to their culture and locality.

Transparency: LFL is committed to integrity and accountability in how it manages its assets.

For more information, visit littlefreelibrary.org.