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Little Free Library

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In addition to supporting literacy and acting as a wonderful venue for public art, Little Free Libraries facilitate an amazing sense of community connection by giving neighbors a chance to meet each other and give back to each other. Consider building one in your neighborhood!

Budget: There are so many different ways to build and design your Little Free Library. Pre-made Little Free Libraries generally cost between $250 and $400. However, there are plenty of budget friendly ways to install a Little Free Library in your neighborhood! By building one yourself, using recycled materials, or asking local businesses to donate supplies or funds you can drastically cut down costs. Consult this guide on funding your Little Free Library(PDF, 456KB).

Steps to making it happen

Step 1.Identify a good location

High foot traffic and good visibility are keys to a prosperous Little Free Library. Make sure your Little Free Library never blocks or encroaches upon important public infrastructure like roadways or sidewalks. Whether you’re placing your Little Free Library in front of a home, coffee shop, or garden, make sure you have the property owner or business owner’s permission. If you are interested in placing a Little Free Library in one of Clearwater’s parks, please specify the park when you submit this form and a member of staff will review your request.

Step 2.Find out if you need a permit

Even a Little Free Library installed in your front yard sometimes requires a landscaping right-of-way permit. Please contact the city of Clearwater’s neighborhoods coordinator at neighborhoods@myclearwater.com or 727-562-4559, before installing your Little Free Library to find out whether a permit is needed.

Step 3.Fill out this form

Fill out and submit this form and a member of staff will review your request.

Step 4.Call before you dig

Call 811 before you dig to avoid accidentally damaging gas, electric, telecommunications, storm, water, or sewer lines which can lead to service disruptions, serious injuries and costly repairs. It only takes 2 business days for this free service to place markers around your buried lines to help determine an appropriate location for your Little Free Library.

Step 5.Build a library

There are plenty of excellent how-to-guides for building and installing your own Little Free Library. Make sure to ask around; some businesses may be willing to donate funds or supplies towards construction. There are even pre-made Little Free Libraries available for purchase. Whether you purchase a pre-made library or build your own, use an outdoor appropriate paint that can hold up to Florida storms. Make sure the structure doesn’t have any cracks that water can leak through.

Step 6.Add in the books

Consider hosting a book drive or book swap for your Little Free Library both to raise awareness of your project and to collect books.

Step 7.Put your library on the map

Register your Little Free Library to add it to the map of Little Free Libraries around the world so that visitors know where to find it.

Step 8.Unveil your library

One you’ve built, painted, stocked, and registered your Little Free Library, unveil it to your community. If you’re hosting an unveiling party, consider asking for book donations and inviting your local officials. Requests for attendance by local officials can be sent to neighborhoods@myclearwater.com. Please note that it may not be possible to accommodate all requests.

Step 9.Maintain your library

Make sure to be a good steward of your Little Free Library, checking frequently to make sure it’s well stocked, clean, and sturdy.

Neighborhoods Coordinators

Javante Scott (West)
Phone: (727) 444-8005
Email: Javante.Scott@myclearwater.com

Monica Lueking (East)
Phone: (727) 444-8083
Email: Monica.Lueking@MyClearwater.com

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