Little Free Libraries

Since 2012

Encouraging Literacy in Shasta County

How it works

Little Free Libraries come in all shapes and sizes. The most common version is a small wooden box of books located in neighborhoods, parks, and outside businesses. Little Free Libraries are conveniently located to make reading more accessible for families. Anyone can borrow books from any Little Free Library, completely free of charge. Reach Higher Shasta, in partnership with the City of Redding, is proud to present Shasta County’s Little Free Libraries. 

Locations

Businesses

Parks

Years

What Drives Us

Our Mission

Literacy is an important part of assuring that children have every opportunity as they grow. Reach Higher Shasta’s Community Literacy Initiative provides literacy opportunities across Shasta County to encourage literacy development at every age. The Little Free Libraries are an essential part of this initiative.

Host a Little Free Library

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Read About The Initiative

About us

Our History

2012-2014

The Shasta Early Literacy Partnership (SELP) recognizes the need for Little Free Libraries in Shasta County.  SELP partners with the Shasta County Office of Education’s Project Share, Camping World, and the Record Searchlight to build Little Free Libraries. Redding Rotary provides several grants supporting Little Free Libraries.  

2014 - 2017

In partnership with SELP, Dutch Brothers begins hosting an annual book drive for gently used books. Thousands of books are donated to the Little Free Libraries. The Girl Scouts and the YMCA build several Little Free Libraries, and the Shasta Woodworkers’ Club contributes over a dozen.

2017-2020

First 5 Shasta, Shasta Public Libraries, and the Shasta County Office of Education Early Childhood Services are instrumental in sustaining Little Free Libraries. Oversight of the libraries transfers to Reach Higher Shasta. In partnership with the City of Redding and Redding Rotary, Reach Higher Shasta adds 17 new libraries.

More Information

Hosting a Little Free Library

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO HOST A LITTLE FREE LIBRARY?

Very few! As a host of a Little Free Library, it will be your responsibility to visit the Shasta County Public Library to restock your books. You will also need to contact Reach Higher Shasta if your library becomes damaged so we can arrange a replacement. You may be notified via email or letter about events and resources involving Little Free Libraries, but there are no mandatory events.

HOW DO I SIGN UP TO HOST A LITTLE FREE LIBRARY?

Thank for you interest in literacy in our community. Please view our Little Free Libraries Map to see if there is already a library in your area. Once you have confirmed there is not one in your immediate area, please fill out our interest form. We will review your completed form and follow up with you as soon as possible.

WILL MY INFORMATION BE SHARED WITH THE PUBLIC?

We track each Little Free Library so people in the community know where they can borrow books. There will be a pin on the Little Free Libraries Map representing your Little Free Library. Your personal information will not be given to the public. Only the location of the Little Free Library will be known.

I'VE BEEN APPROVED TO HOST! HOW DO I GET MY LITTLE FREE LIBRARY?

We’re so excited you will be hosting a Little Free Library! There are several ways to get your new library. Currently, we do not have any kits available to build your own, but we do have some that are already built and painted. We can bring one to you, or you can pick it up yourself. If you need help installing the library, we will help you install it as well! We will cover all these details with you once you complete the Little Free Libraries interest form.

I'M ALREADY A HOST! WHERE DO I GET BOOKS FOR MY LITTLE FREE LIBRARY?

We understand that sometimes people borrow books and forget to return them. Books for Little Free Libraries can be obtained by emailing Katherine Hart at Katherine.Hart@lsslibraries.com. Katherine will prepare books for you and leave them at the Children’s Department Desk in the Shasta Public Library in Redding