Build a Little Free Library and Spark a Love for Reading in Your Neighborhood with Phil Schmidt

On my daily walks, I’ve discovered something magical—those charming little libraries where you give a book and take a book. These miniature book-sharing boxes are popping up everywhere, from front yards to parks, creating pockets of joy and literacy in the community. Some are beautifully crafted with creative flair, while others are humble boxes designed to protect beloved books from the elements. No matter their style, they share a common message: If you build it, they will read.

The idea is simple, but powerful. The reciprocal joy of giving and receiving books makes these Little Free Libraries a fun, meaningful activity for families, walkers, and readers of all ages. It’s more than a book exchange—it’s a way to build connection, encourage reading, and promote generosity. Build it. Fill it. Share it. (And Read Together All Year!)

Back-to-School Is the Perfect Season to Start a Little Free Library

As kids get ready for school and backpacks fill with supplies, why not fill a neighborhood book box too? Turn back-to-school season into a time of community building and sharing. One of the best ways to get started is with the new book “How to Build Your Own Little Free Library”, available September 2, 2025.

Perfect for parents, grandparents, educators, and anyone looking for a fun and educational DIY woodworking project, this guide blends hands-on creativity with literacy promotion. Whether you’re looking for a rainy-day activity with the kids or a weekend project that gives back, this book delivers.

Written by professional carpenter Phil Schmidt in partnership with the Little Free Library nonprofit organization, this book features:

• A how-to for planning and designing your little sharing structure
• An overview of building materials and tools
• 11 complete plans for structures of varying sizes and aesthetics
• Step-by-step color photography and instructions
• A gallery of tiny structures, along with uplifting words from stewards, for further inspiration
• Information on the proper installation of the small structures
• Common repairs and maintenance for down the road
• Timely information on how LFL has become part of the growing movement against book bans

Philip Schmidt is nothing short of a master of the modern DIY spirit. A former carpenter turned prolific author, editor, and visionary project designer, Schmidt has dedicated his career to transforming the way we live in—and interact with—our homes. With an astonishing portfolio of over two dozen books, his work spans the practical and the imaginative, from harnessing solar power to crafting backyard treehouses and stylish plywood furniture.

Among his standout titles are How to Build Your Very Own Little Free Library, The Complete Guide to Treehouses, PlyDesign, The Complete Guide to Patios, and Install Your Own Solar Panels. Each project carries its signature blend of clarity, creativity, and craftsmanship.

Based in the inspiring landscapes of Colorado, Schmidt continues to empower readers everywhere to dream big, build boldly, and shape spaces that tell their stories.

Why Build a Little Free Library?

Creating a Little Free Library is about more than just building a bookshelf. It’s about inspiring readers, sparking conversations, and turning sidewalks into story hubs. Imagine coming home from work and seeing a child going through your little library, flipping through a book they just picked out. That’s the magic.

These libraries create positive daily moments:
– Parents pushing strollers stop to browse a book.
– Grandparents and grandkids read together on nearby benches.
– Children learn that stories live just outside their front doors.

By joining the global Little Free Library movement, you can connect with other book lovers, share recommendations, and spread the gift of reading.

A Book That Builds More Than a Library

As author and educator Donalyn Miller wisely said:
“Reading changes your life. Reading unlocks worlds unknown or forgotten… Reading helps you escape the confines of school and pursue your own education.”

When we make books more accessible—especially to children—we open doors to endless possibilities. The more books we share, the more lives we enrich.

This year, don’t just dust off your bookshelves—set your stories free! Share your favorite reads with your neighbors by building a Little Free Library right in your front yard. It’s more than a box for books—it’s a beacon of imagination, a champion of curiosity, and a small but mighty stand against censorship.

Get inspired. Grab some tools. Rally the kids, the grandparents, or your book-loving best friend. Then build something magical—a tiny library that turns your street into a community of readers, dreamers, and storytellers.

In a time when book banning is making headlines, there’s never been a better way to celebrate freedom of expression, encourage literacy, and spark big ideas in little minds. Reading fuels empathy. Sharing books spreads joy. And who knows? That one book you give might just change someone’s life.

So go ahead—build it, fill it, and let the stories fly!