While you are driving or walking the neighborhoods of South Florida, have you ever seen these beautifully decorated, as my son describes them, “birdhouses for books!”
These are all part of the non-profit organization called Little Free Libraries!
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. The libraries are run completely by volunteers, called Stewards.
In 2015, Mary Lindsey saw a picture of a Little Free Library online and decided to bring this program to Lake Worth! Our libraries are amazing but many children in our county do not have transportation to take them to these libraries.
Through hard work and dedication, Lake Worth Little Free Libraries started with two dozen LFLs and now has almost 80 and is still growing! They conservatively estimate that since the first Little Free Library was planted in Lake Worth, more than 25,000 books (and probably closer to twice that) have been put into circulation by the programs 98 dedicated Stewards.
Mary explains the real barometer of impact of the LFL in Lake Worth, will be the reading proficiency test scores of the children. In 2010, Lake Worth had the worst scores in all of PB County. One of the main goals of this organization to increase these scores by getting more books into the hands of Lake Worth children.
The Lake Worth Little Free Libraries has partnerships with many local businesses and organizations including the City of Lake Worth, the Friends of Lake Worth Library and Palm Beach School System who has now donated an unlimited supply of children’s books to the LFLs!
Here is a map where you can find locations of the Little Free Libraries in Lake Worth.
If you don’t live in Lake Worth, check out https://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/ to find the one closest to your home!
To learn more about the Lake Worth Little Free Libraries, make sure to like their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LakeWorthLFL/
If you are interested in becoming a steward, please contact Mary at [email protected]
