As a longtime supporter of the Little Free Library organization, Success Won’t Wait is thrilled to share that the organization recently reached a major milestone: the installation of the 200,000th Little Free Library book-sharing box! This landmark library was provided for the students of the Benjamin E. Mays IB World School, an elementary school in St. Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood. Designed to resemble a red one-room schoolhouse, it pays homage to the original Little Free Library built by LFL founder Todd H. Bol in 2009. This 200k milestone library joins the worldwide network, which spans all 50 states, 128 countries, and all seven continents.

“We are honored to recognize all the work done by our global network of stewards and supporters to reach 200,000 Little Free Libraries,” said LFL Executive Director Greig Metzger. “But as we celebrate the past, today’s event is just as much about the future… The future where all of us, no matter our age, economic status, or residence, have the opportunity to readily access a book that can inspire, motivate, and empower.” 

Following the launch, 199 additional Little Free Libraries will be installed at Title I elementary schools nationwide. The libraries are sponsored in part by Books Unbanned and three of its consortium members—San José State University iSchool, Brooklyn Public Library, and The Seattle Public Library—and Mortenson. Each library will be stocked with 200 brand-new books, part of Penguin Random House’s generous donation of more than 40,000 books.

Join the Year-Long Celebration!

You can celebrate the 200,000th Little Free Library, too. Here’s how:

• Share a book in a Little Free Library! Find one near you using the mobile app. When you share 200 books, you’ll earn the new Book Giver Expert badge!
• Start your own Little Free Library book-sharing box
• If you’re already a Little Free Library steward, download a commemorative sign for your Little Free Library window
• Join Team LFL, a volunteer initiative that supports the LFL network
• Donate to help LFL continue to expand book access where it’s needed most

Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization with a mission to become 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.

Their vision is a Little Free Library in every community and a book for every reader. Little Free Libraries believes all people are empowered when the opportunity to discover a personally relevant book to read is not limited by time, space, or privilege.

Why Does Book Access Matter?

We are facing a growing literacy crisis. Today in the United States, over 30 million adults cannot read or write above a third-grade level. Studies confirm that books in the hands of children have a meaningful impact on improving literacy. And, the more books in or near the home, the more likely a child will learn and love to read. A shocking 61% of U.S. children living at or below the poverty line have no books at home.

Little Free Library book-sharing boxes play an essential role by providing 24/7 access to books (and encouraging a love of reading!) in areas where books may be scarce. Through Little Free Library book exchanges, millions of books are exchanged each year, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds.

How does the Little Free Library organization achieve their mission and vision?

Providing 24/7 book access. Little Free Library book-sharing boxes are open seven days a week, 24 hours a day and are freely accessible to all, removing barriers to book access.

Fostering new Little Free Libraries. Little Free Library (LFL) equips, educates, and guides volunteer stewards to establish Little Free Libraries in their communities.

Granting Little Free Libraries to high-need areas. Through their programs, LFL grants no-cost Little Free Libraries full of books to underserved urban, suburban, rural, and Indigenous communities.

Championing diverse books. Through the Read in Color program, LFL makes books available representing BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other diverse voices to promote understanding, empathy, and inclusion.

Working with key community partners. LFL collaborates with schools, public libraries, civic organizations, businesses, and other groups (like Success Won’t Wait!) to bring Little Free Libraries to their communities.

Little Free Library’s goals and strategies are shaped by a dedicated staff and an engaged board of directors. Together, this important work is guided by core values:

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

Collaboration. Little Free Libraries embraces working with volunteer stewards, as well as local and national partners, to build community and improve book access.

Equity. The organization is dedicated to furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Respect. Little Free Libraries values all people and communities, and respects their wisdom in using Little Free Libraries in a meaningful, individualistic way suited to their culture and locality.

Transparency. The organization is committed to integrity and accountability in how they manage assets, and has earned Platinum GuideStar status. Little Free Library was honored to receive the 2020 World Literacy Award from the World Literacy Foundation. They are also a Top-Rated Nonprofit by the Great Nonprofits organization and received Guidestar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency. And, Little Free Library is a recipient of the Library of Congress Literacy Award, the National Book Foundation’s Innovations in Reading Prize, and many more. (Discover more milestones and awards here).

About Success Won’t Wait

Founded in 2002, Success Won’t Wait is a not-for-profit literacy organization based in Wilmington, Delaware. To learn more about Success Won’t Wait’s literacy projects, how to donate used children’s books in Delaware, or volunteer your time, please click on the About Us tab above.

And, if your program, school or center needs assistance with books, please Contact Us to learn more.

Read now, because success won’t wait!