A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Little Free Libraries, the take a book, return a book exchange, becoming a fixture in Boone County


By Amanda Hopper
Special to the NKyTribune

You may have seen a few “tiny libraries” popping up around Boone County this year. That is because Boone County Public Library, along with Success By 6, and Boy Scouts of America have partnered to create four “Little Free Libraries” to serve Boone County.

The Little Free Library in Walton

The Little Free Library in Walton

A Little Free Library is a “take a book, return a book” free book exchange. The libraries come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common is a small wooden box of books. According to the Little Free Library website, “there is an understanding that real people are sharing their favorite books with their community; Little Libraries have been called “mini-town squares.”

The Little Free Library project began with BCPL and Boone County Success By 6 to encourage early literacy skills in children birth through age 6, and provide caregivers with the materials needed to aid in these skills. As part of this early literacy initiative, staff identified the Little Free Library projects as a possibility to engage the community in reading and sharing books together.

At the same time that staff were considering this project, Weston Rainier, a local Scout, was looking for a service project to obtain his Eagle Scout status. This status requires 21 merit badges, and an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Only four percent of Boy Scouts are granted this rank.

Here is what Rainier has to say about being a part of this process:  “Doing the little free libraries was great project. When I was first doing the project I looked online for ideas and found many designs online that I took inspiration on when building. I got great support from the community, especially the schools which allowed me to have a book drive there. Without the support and the many books that the schools and the students at the schools gave me this project would not be possible.”

There are over 40,000 registered Little Free Library book exchanges in the U.S. and over 70 countries around the world.  If you visit, https://littlefreelibrary.org/ you can view an interactive map to find the Little Free Libraries near you.  BCPL has registered three Boone County Little Libraries.

They are located in the following areas:

Hebron–on the future BCPL property off North Bend Road

Walton– on the future BCPL property by Kroger

Rabbit Hash—by the path to the stairs between the museum and the barn

Residents are encouraged to use the Little Free Libraries to share the books you love with others in the community, to choose a free book for vacation, or to select a great children’s book for the child in your life.

Albert Einstein said, “The only thing you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.”  So, if you don’t have time to get to one of Boone County Public Library’s buildings, make a stop at your local Little Library to pick up a free book or make a donation.

Amanda Hopper, assistant director of the Boone County Public Library, lives in Union with her husband and two daughters.  She is passionate about serving the children and families of Boone County.


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