Little Free Libraries are “take a book, return a book” free book exchanges popularized by the nonprofit organization Little Free Library. They typically take the form of a small wooden box of books mounted on a post in front of a home or business where passersby can easily access the books. Most are maintained by sponsoring community members sometimes referred to as “stewards.”

Studies have consistently shown that young children who have access to books in the home achieve markedly higher literacy levels later in life. According to the Children’s Literacy Foundation, 61 percent of low-income families do not have age-appropriate books in their homes. Increasing access to books and encouraging a lifelong love of reading, especially among children, are core values of Menlo Park Library and our nonprofit partners.

The Menlo Park Little Free Library Incentive Program is designed to encourage Menlo Park residents to install and maintain Little Free Libraries on their properties by providing financial incentives (mini-grants) that will cover 100 percent of the upfront purchase and installation costs at no charge to the property owner. In exchange, participating property owners will be required to sign a written pledge to keep the Little Free Library on their property, curate its book collection and keep the Little Free Library in good condition.

Only paper applications with the full handwritten property owner’s signature will be accepted. Applications must be received by Friday, March 1, 2019. Download the Little Free Libraries Incentive Program information and application. Please print, sign and return your completed hardcopy application to the Main Library (800 Alma St.), the Belle Haven Branch Library (413 Ivy Drive) or via U.S. mail to:

Little Free Libraries Incentive Program
c/o Menlo Park Library
800 Alma St.,
Menlo Park, CA 94025


Image courtesy of Kate Bradshaw/Almanac News