Love the idea of sharing books with your community? Check out these amazing sets of free plans to build a DIY Little Free Library of your own.
10 DIY Little Free Library Plans
What Is A Little Free Library?
Founded in 2009, Little Free Library (LFL) is a non-profit organization that helps individuals and communities share books. The concept is simple: Provide small house-shaped libraries in accessible places where individuals can take a free book or leave one behind. They foster a love of reading, and can provide a community gathering place.
More than 100,000 Little Free Libraries are registered, and you can find them in more than 100 countries on all seven continents. (Yes, even Antarctica has a Little Free Library!).
Building your own Little Free Library is a great project to work on solo or as a family DIY project. There are no regulations or requirements on what a library must look like, but you will need to follow local ordinances or Homeowners Association guidelines.
And while there’s nothing stopping you from putting up a library on your own, you’ll need to register with LFL to obtain a metal charter sign, be listed on their site or use the name “Little Free Library” on your build.
LFL provides kits on their website, which come with complimentary registration and charter sign. You can let your imagination run wild with your own design. But if you need some inspiration or guidance for your build, there are plenty of free plans available online.
Each Little Free Library has a steward who maintains the library, and they often share their designs to encourage others to join the LFL movement.
We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best plans available, with a range of styles, shapes and levels of complexity.
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The Family Handyman Little Free Library
This handsome Little Free Library, designed and built by one of our editors, Jay Cork, was featured in Family Handyman magazine. It’s made of Baltic birch plywood, with a copper roof and cedar post. In these detailed project plans, Cork takes you through the building process step-by-step with photos. Plus, watch this awesome video of Jay in action.
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Little Free Libraries & Tiny Sheds by Philip Schmidt
Philip Schmidt literally wrote the book on LFL designs. Published by Quarto Press, Little Free Libraries & Tiny Sheds features a dozen structures, each fully illustrated with step-by-step instructions and maintenance tips. Schmidt is a carpenter by trade, and the book offers almost 200 pages of tips and tricks for the proper installation of small structures.
If you’d like to see a sample build from the book, the “Cedar Roof Basic” plans are available free from the LFL website.
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Tardis Little Free Library
Looking for a classy LFL design that shows off your sci-fi cred? Then consider one that mimics the Tardis from Doctor Who.
Unsurprisingly, this build comes from accomplished sci-fi author and editor Jennifer Brozek. The plans aren’t detailed, but for an experienced DIYer there’s more than enough information and photos to build something that would make the Doctor proud.
Want a different take on the Tardis? Check out this list of 38 builds inspired by Doctor Who from the Little Free Library site.
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Lake Raponda Covered Bridge Little Free Library
Alan Baker shares his design for a covered bridge-inspired Little Free Library and gives more background information on his website.
We like the steeper pitch on the roof and wide single door, which allows room for taller books. This is especially useful for oversized children’s and coffee table books.
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Amish Shed Little Free Library
These extremely detailed plans from the LFL site show how to build an Amish Shed-themed Little Free Library. The steward, Adam Plavinskis, provides 13 pages of specs. Note that there is no step-by-step walk-through. But if you ever wanted to learn to build straight off plans, this is a great trial project.
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The Stereotank Little Free Library
If you’re not the Amish shed or Vermont covered bridge-type, maybe a Little Free Library that looks more like a cross between an amusement park ride and a 1950s rocket ship is more appealing to you.
If that sounds like your aesthetic, check out the Stereotank LFL build from the Architecture League of New York. Be warned, though: Step One is obtaining a 200-gallon plastic tank!
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Simple Two-Shelf Little Free Library
Created by James Zimmerman, this design is called “Little Free Library Plans So Simple Even I Could Follow Them.” We think it lives up to its name.
This 18-page plan is extremely beginner-friendly. The straightforward two-shelf design shines with elegant simplicity while leaving room for alterations if you feel like putting your personal stamp on things.
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Kalamazoo Little Free Library
Provided by the stewards of Kalamazoo, Michigan, the Kalamazoo LFL plans are a modified take on designs available from the LFL website. It features a classic Little Free Library look with a see-through hinged door, roof shakes and a roomy interior. We like the alternative shelf layout, and the five-page plans are straightforward and easy to follow. While books are by far the most common item, you can put just about any item inside a Little Free Library.
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Fence-Mounted Little Free Library
Sometimes the installation of the base can be as much of a project as building the library itself. This is particularly true in urban areas. One solution we particularly like is the fence-supported LFL from Mark Rakatansky Studio and Aaron White.
The one-sheet plan is relatively sparse, and you’ll likely have to modify the design to fit your environment. But the finished product is an eye-catching and clever use of space.
We’ve mentioned the Architecture League of New York already. For a sampling of non-traditional and amazingly creative Little Free Libraries, they offer close to a dozen on their website.
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Kid-Friendly Pallet or Fence Slat Little Free Library
A Little Free Library build is one of the best ways to introduce kids to a DIY skill set. But not all LFL plans are geared toward kids. Luckily, Scout Life provides a clear, helpful set of instructions for a Little Free Library constructed from upcycled pallets or fence slats.
We love the clear and straightforward instructions and illustrations, with few pre-existing skills assumed. It’s definitely a project that will require adult supervision and assistance, but this is a fantastic set of plans for a young DIYer.
