Little Libraries

Next time you're out for a walk, keep an eye open for Little Libraries. They're popping up in every corner of our city, across the province and around the world.

You can't miss them - they look like mini wooden cabinets, often placed on residential properties and filled with books for people to borrow, lend or trade for some of their own.

By hosting a Little Library, you can encourage literacy by making books available to everyone who passes by.

Two women talking beside a Little Library

Little Libraries of KW

Little Libraries of KW is a group of volunteers who support Little Libraries and would love to see more of them across the city. They are dedicated to discussing, planning, purchasing, setting up, registering and maintaining Little Libraries. They also host annual "build days" where you can order a Little Library kit - or help out in building them!

Little Libraries on city land

There are lots of Little Libraries on city land at places like parks, trails and community centres. To bring one to your favourite neighbourhood place, contact city staff. We'll provide some guidance on:

Choosing appropriate locations
Engaging the neighbourhood to support the little library
Recruiting volunteers to maintain the little library in the future
Making sure the little library is accessible to all ages and abilities

Little Libraries on personal property

We have a few suggestions when installing little libraries on your own property:

Areas with higher visibility and activity are ideal.
Locations with street frontage and maintained walkways are preferred.
Avoid boulevards, traffic islands and cul de sac islands as they are often used for snow loading and may obstruct clear site lines for drivers.
Remember to call before you dig, so you are not interrupting any service lines buried below the place you intend to dig. It is a free service.

You want to be sure children and persons in wheelchairs can reach your little library. Don't go higher than 48 inches from ground to the top of the Little Library.
Use contrast with colour when decorating the Little Library box. This is especially beneficial if you plan on using text on your Little Library box. Contrast will help people read your message.
Include a path to the Little Library box, considering whether a person with a mobility aid, such as a walker or a wheelchair, can easily access it.