This blog post is from Sarah Nelson of Little Free Library, a Unite Against Book Bans partner.
Happy Birthday to Little Free Library! Little Free Library became a nonprofit on May 17, 2012, launching the organization’s journey to make books accessible to everyone. Little Free Library is turning the organization’s nonprofit birthday into a week-long celebration May 12-18, 2024. Join in on the Little Free Library Week excitement by supporting access to all books.
Little Free Library condemns book banning. Expanding access to books is at the heart of Little Free Library’s mission, and the rise of book bans in America goes against the organization’s core values—especially when the bans overwhelmingly target BIPOC and LGBTQ+ authors. When these voices and perspectives are erased through book bans, our world becomes a less informed, less empathetic, and less inclusive place.
Little Free Library book-sharing boxes are an excellent way to provide access to books—including banned and challenged books. Little Free Library is proud to work alongside LFL stewards, publishers, and partners to combat book banning and ensure all voices are heard.
“Book bans silence authors with diverse viewpoints and eliminate the chance for readers to feel seen and represented in their stories,” says LFL Executive Director Greig Metzger. “At our core as an organization, we are book lovers who believe deeply in the power of books to share unique ideas and perspectives and ultimately enhance our human experience, understanding, and appreciation for one another. We’re hopeful that by working together, we can make a difference.”
With more than 180,000 Little Free Library book-sharing boxes worldwide, there is a legion of stewards who take book access seriously—and many go above and beyond when protecting access to banned and challenged books. In a recent poll, 87% of Little Free Library stewards say they share banned books.
Celebrating Little Free Library Week is a fun and simple way to promote book access. Here’s how you can get involved:
Share a Book: Celebrate with us by sharing a book in a Little Free Library today! This simple act can spread joy and spark a love of reading. Find a book-sharing box near you by downloading our free Little Free Library mobile app.
Submit Your Little Free Library Photos: In honor of Little Free Library Week, we want to see photos of your favorite Little Free Library book-sharing box! Submit your photos by using the hashtag #LFLweek on social media to be eligible for prizes. Learn more about the rules and prizes, and get some great photo tips.
Reading is a right. Support access to all books by celebrating Little Free Library Week!
