In neighborhoods across Winnipeg, you'll find charming little boxes filled with books, inviting passersby to take a book or leave one behind. These are Little Free Libraries (LFLs), part of a global movement that began in 2009 in Wisconsin and has since grown to over 100,000 book exchanges worldwide. In Winnipeg, these community-driven libraries are fostering connections, promoting literacy, and bringing neighbours together—one book at a time.

What Are Little Free Libraries?

The Little Free Library movement is built on a simple but powerful premise: "take a book, return a book." These small book shelters, often creatively designed and placed in front yards, parks, or community spaces, operate on an honour system. Anyone can take a book to read, and ideally, they'll return it or replace it with another book when they're done. This creates a continuous cycle of book sharing that requires no membership, no fees, and no formal library hours.

What started as a single library built by Todd Bol in Hudson, Wisconsin, to honour his mother—a teacher who loved reading—has become a worldwide phenomenon. The movement's mission is to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access for all. In Winnipeg, this mission resonates deeply, with Little Free Libraries appearing in neighbourhoods from Crescentwood to St. Vital, from the Exchange District to the suburbs.

Global Movement: The Little Free Library organization maintains a map of registered libraries worldwide. You can visit littlefreelibrary.org to find registered LFLs around the world, learn how to build and start your own, and discover the stories behind these community treasures.

Winnipeg Public Library's Support

Winnipeg Public Library (WPL) actively supports the Little Free Library movement, recognizing its value in spreading the joy of reading throughout the community. The library offers several resources for LFL stewards and community members interested in the movement.

If you're running a Little Free Library or thinking about starting one, WPL can help. They offer pamphlets about early literacy and Winnipeg Public Library services that they'll mail to you at no cost. These resources can help you stock your LFL with information that supports reading and literacy in your neighbourhood.

For LFL stewards looking to stock their libraries, WPL branches may have book sale items or unwanted donations available. The library recommends calling ahead and asking for the Branch Head, or using their "Ask Us" online service before visiting a branch. Requests can be made for adult, teen, and/or children's materials, and boxes will be packed and sealed for contactless pickup. Keep in mind that there may be a delay until your request can be fulfilled, as availability depends on donations and book sale inventory.

Getting Books for Your LFL: In addition to contacting Winnipeg Public Library branches, LFL stewards can also post requests to neighbourhood social media groups for community donations. Many Winnipeggers are happy to donate books to support their local Little Free Libraries, creating another layer of community connection.

Finding Little Free Libraries in Winnipeg

Winnipeg Public Library maintains information about Little Free Libraries in the city, including a map that helps you locate these community book exchanges. You can find this resource on the Winnipeg Public Library website, which provides details about the movement and how to connect with LFLs throughout Winnipeg.

As you explore Winnipeg's neighbourhoods, keep an eye out for these charming book boxes. They're often found in front yards, near parks, or in community spaces, and each one has its own unique character. Some are simple wooden boxes, while others are creatively designed to match their neighbourhood's aesthetic. Many feature artwork, decorative elements, or themes that reflect the community they serve.

How Little Free Libraries Build Community

The impact of Little Free Libraries extends far beyond book sharing. These small structures become gathering points, conversation starters, and symbols of neighbourhood pride. When you stop at a Little Free Library, you're not just picking up a book—you're participating in a community tradition that brings people together.

For families, LFLs provide easy access to books for children, supporting early literacy and encouraging a love of reading. For adults, they offer a way to discover new authors, share favourite books with neighbours, and connect with the community in a simple, meaningful way. For seniors and those with limited mobility, having a library just steps away can make reading more accessible.

Little Free Libraries also create opportunities for community engagement. Neighbours might chat while browsing books, children might get excited about finding a new story, and the act of maintaining and stocking an LFL gives stewards a sense of purpose and connection to their community.

Starting Your Own Little Free Library

If you're inspired to start your own Little Free Library, the movement provides resources and guidance. The official Little Free Library website offers information on how to build and register your library, including design ideas, building plans, and tips for successful stewardship.

When starting an LFL, consider:

  • Location: Choose a spot that's accessible to passersby but respects your property boundaries
  • Design: Make it weatherproof and secure, with a door that closes properly to protect books from the elements
  • Stocking: Start with a diverse collection of books for different ages and interests
  • Maintenance: Regularly check and clean your library, removing damaged books and ensuring there's always something available
  • Community: Engage with your neighbours and let them know about your LFL

Books at Our Airbnb

While we love the Little Free Library movement and encourage our guests to explore Winnipeg's many LFLs, we want to clarify that the reading materials in our Airbnb are not part of the book exchange system. The books we provide are carefully curated for our guests' enjoyment during their stay, and we ask that they remain in the home.

However, if you're visiting Winnipeg and have brought books with you that you'd like to share, or if you've finished a book during your stay and want to pass it along, Winnipeg has many Little Free Libraries throughout the city where you can participate in the "take a book, return a book" tradition. It's a wonderful way to connect with the community and leave a small piece of your visit behind for others to discover.

For Our Guests: While our Airbnb's reading collection stays with us, feel free to bring your own books to trade at Winnipeg's many Little Free Libraries! It's a great way to explore different neighbourhoods, discover new reads, and participate in this wonderful community movement. You'll find LFLs throughout the city, from Crescentwood to St. Vital, and everywhere in between.

The Impact of Little Free Libraries

Little Free Libraries do more than just share books—they create opportunities for connection, support literacy, and strengthen neighbourhood bonds. In Winnipeg, where community spirit runs strong, these small libraries reflect the city's values of sharing, caring, and coming together.

Whether you're a lifelong Winnipegger or a visitor exploring the city, taking a moment to browse a Little Free Library can lead to discovering a new favourite book, meeting a neighbour, or simply enjoying the sense of community that these small structures represent. They're a reminder that sometimes the simplest ideas—like sharing books with your neighbours—can have the most profound impact.

As you explore Winnipeg, keep an eye out for these community treasures. Each Little Free Library tells a story about the neighbourhood it serves, the people who maintain it, and the community that supports it. They're small but powerful symbols of what makes Winnipeg special: a city where neighbours look out for each other, share what they have, and build connections that make our community stronger.

So next time you're walking through a Winnipeg neighbourhood, take a moment to check out the Little Free Libraries you encounter. You might find your next great read, and you'll definitely experience a small but meaningful example of Winnipeg's community spirit in action.