I've had many people reach out to me to ask me how to set up a library in their community. I'm going to write out the steps I take here and then if you have additional questions please feel free to email me or message me on any of my social media pages.
Step 1: Find a washateria/laundromat in your neighborhood. Make sure it's a convenient location that will be easy for you to refill regularly.
Step 2: Find out the name of the manager or owner of the laundromat. Preferably the owner because you will have the support from the top.
Step 3: Call, email or text the owner or manager and ask him or her if it would be okay for you to set up a bookcase in their laundromat with children's books. I prefer calling first and talking to him or her. I assure them that I will check on the library regularly and won't let it become a place people vandalize.
Step 4: Once the owner or manager gives you their blessing you find a sturdy bookcase. Sturdy is important.
Step 5: Find books! Put a call-out on your social media pages. You'll be surprised how many people will respond and tell you they have boxes of books they've cleaned out at home.
Step 6: This is optional. I bought a stamp and ink pad. My stamp says "Little Free Libraries in Laundromats." I also have a stamp for my personal Little Free Library that says "Little Free Library," with the Charter #.
Step 7: Set up the bookcase and books at the washateria. I wait and see how it does for at least one week, to see how it's accepted by the community and if it does okay.
Step 8: Go to https://littlefreelibrary.org/ and click on "Register" on the menu bar at the top. Scroll down and click on "Register Your Library." Buy a charter sign and Little Free Library will mail you a charter sign with a charter number.
Step 9: Once you receive a charter sign and number you can take the sign and attach it to the bookcase.
Step 10: When you have the sign attached to the bookcase and you are 100% sure that it is a good location, go back to Little Free Library page and go to "How to Add a Little Free Library to the World Map."
Step 11: Check in on your library every 1-2 weeks and refill the books.
Every library is different. I have two where the books are always gone and I have two where nobody takes the books. The kids just read them there. It also depends on how well the laundromat is managed and if someone is watching the bookcase. Have fun and I wish you well!
Step 1: Find a washateria/laundromat in your neighborhood. Make sure it's a convenient location that will be easy for you to refill regularly.
Step 2: Find out the name of the manager or owner of the laundromat. Preferably the owner because you will have the support from the top.
Step 3: Call, email or text the owner or manager and ask him or her if it would be okay for you to set up a bookcase in their laundromat with children's books. I prefer calling first and talking to him or her. I assure them that I will check on the library regularly and won't let it become a place people vandalize.
Step 4: Once the owner or manager gives you their blessing you find a sturdy bookcase. Sturdy is important.
Step 5: Find books! Put a call-out on your social media pages. You'll be surprised how many people will respond and tell you they have boxes of books they've cleaned out at home.
Step 6: This is optional. I bought a stamp and ink pad. My stamp says "Little Free Libraries in Laundromats." I also have a stamp for my personal Little Free Library that says "Little Free Library," with the Charter #.
Step 7: Set up the bookcase and books at the washateria. I wait and see how it does for at least one week, to see how it's accepted by the community and if it does okay.
Step 8: Go to https://littlefreelibrary.org/ and click on "Register" on the menu bar at the top. Scroll down and click on "Register Your Library." Buy a charter sign and Little Free Library will mail you a charter sign with a charter number.
Step 9: Once you receive a charter sign and number you can take the sign and attach it to the bookcase.
Step 10: When you have the sign attached to the bookcase and you are 100% sure that it is a good location, go back to Little Free Library page and go to "How to Add a Little Free Library to the World Map."
Step 11: Check in on your library every 1-2 weeks and refill the books.
Every library is different. I have two where the books are always gone and I have two where nobody takes the books. The kids just read them there. It also depends on how well the laundromat is managed and if someone is watching the bookcase. Have fun and I wish you well!
Proudly powered by Weebly