Volunteer to host a Little Free Library® in the Park!
Welcome to the world’s largest book-sharing movement.
Join us in:
- Building Community
- Inspiring Readers
- Expanding Book Access
The Skokie Park District, in partnership with Skokie Public Library, is looking for volunteers to host Little Free Libraries® in select parks throughout Skokie. This is an excellent opportunity to promote literacy and give back to the community.
About Little Free Library®
Little Free Library® is a book exchange program whereby members of a community install a “library,” like the one pictured here, in a place that is accessible to all, inviting neighbors to stop by and take or leave a book of their choosing.
Little Free Library® is a nonprofit organization that builds community, inspires readers, and expands book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led little libraries. There are more than 100,000 registered Little Free Libraries® in all 50 states and over 100 countries. Through these Libraries, millions of books are exchanged each year, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds. Little Free Library® has received recognition from the Library of Congress, the National Book Foundation, the World Literacy Foundation, Library Journal, the Women’s National Book Association, and more.
For information on the Little Free Library® program, click here.
Be a Volunteer Host!
Volunteers will be taken on a first come, first served basis at each of the available park sites by filling out and submitting the form below. The hosting commitment begins on January 1 each year (or the date the Volunteer agreement is signed) and ends on December 31. At the end of each term the volunteer will be given the choice to continue maintaining their Little Free Library® for an additional year. Should a current volunteer decide not to continue, the site will be made available for another volunteer to maintain.
A volunteer wishing to host a Little Free Library® commits to the following:
- Maintaining the general cleanliness of the Little Free Library®
- Assess stock and contribute books or alert your Skokie Park District liaison if more materials are needed
- Alert your Skokie Park District liaison if repairs or repainting is needed
- Alerting your Skokie Park District liaison to any graffiti or vandalism
The Skokie Park District, with books generously donated for each new library by the Skokie Public Library, commits to the following:
- Supply and install the Little Free Library®
- Supply initial books for the Little Free Library®
- Supply additional reading materials as needed
- Register the Little Free Library®
- Provide a small plaque recognizing the host on the Little Free Library®
- Respond to graffiti or vandalism
- Make repairs as needed
All libraries are currently reserved.
FAQs
I submitted my form, now what happens?
A Skokie Park District liaison will reach out to you to confirm that the site is available. If the site is available, work will begin on the Little Free Library® as time permits and you will be notified when it will be installed at your chosen park site. Ideally, this will take place in less than two weeks but will depend upon staffing work loads. Books will be generously donated to initially fill your Little Free Library® and it will then be open for use!
Who can use the Little Free Libraries®?
Anyone can use Little Free Libraries®! No library card, proof of residency, or ID required. There are books for everyone!
How long can I keep Little Free Library® materials?
Little Free Library® materials can be kept for as long as readers need to finish the item. If you take a book (or two) from a library, you do not need to return that exact book. However, in order to keep the library full of good choices, next time bring a few books to share. Little library book exchanges function on the honor system; everyone contributes to ensure there are always quality books inside.
How can I donate materials to Little Free Libraries®?
Individual books, magazines, audiobooks, and other materials can be placed in the little library. If you have more than a couple of items, please bring them to the Skokie Park District to be distributed to the libraries.
May I return regular Skokie Public Library materials to a Little Free Library®?
No. Regular library materials (i.e. materials with a Library spine label or barcode in it) must be returned to the Skokie Public Library to be checked in and circulated in the library collection.
My Little Free Library® is empty or is damaged! Whom do I contact?
Please contact your Skokie Park District liaison or call (847) 929-7800.
What if someone places inappropriate books inside a Little Free Libraries?
Everyone who uses the library has the right of helping make sure the types of books in it are appropriate to neighbors of all ages and backgrounds. You are as capable as anyone else to remove a book, but we encourage you to be open-minded about it. Censorship is not the answer but a balanced collection can be.
Additional questions?
Feel free to call the Skokie Park District's Park Services Department at (847) 972-7800 or email Superintendent of Parks Corrie Guynn.