The Arkansas State Library is pleased to announce a Little Free Library project for public libraries in the state of Arkansas. The goals of this project are to:
- Foster a love of reading in local communities;
- Make reading activities and books more visible in the community landscape; and
- Engage community members in activities focused on reading.
The Little Free Library project as developed by the Arkansas State Library fulfills the statutory requirement of A.C.A. § 13-2-207 to undertake activities and services that further statewide development of libraries, and the federal Library Services and Technology Act (20 U.S.C. § 9121).
Project Overview
A Little Free Library is a “take a book, return a book” free book exchange. They come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common version is a small wooden box of books. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share.
The Arkansas State Library will award twenty (20) Little Free Library kits to public libraries throughout the state of Arkansas in a project to support public libraries’ role of sharing reading activities with all members of the community.
Little Free Library kits consist of one unfished two-story shed library with post, and charter sign.
Libraries can request one (1) Little Free Library kit per community served. The kit may be installed on library property, or on other public property not owned by the library with an appropriate partnership agreement and permissions in place.
Application and Selection Process
Applications must be submitted online between July 1-August 15, 2024.
Applications will be scored by a team at the Arkansas State Library. Team members will score applications individually and then convene as a group to make final selections.
PDF Copy of the Online Application Form – for your convenience only; do not submit this PDF as your application
Timeline
| Activity | Due Date |
| Applications available | July 1-August 15, 2024 |
| Applicants notified of status | August 30, 2024 |
| Virtual training session | September 16, 2024; 10:00 a.m. |
| Pick-up / delivery | September 23-October 25, 2024 |
| Installation of Little Free Libraries | November 29, 2024 |
| Project feedback | May 1, 2025 |
For more information contact:
- Jennifer Wann
- Manager of Library Development
- jenn.wann@ade.arkansas.gov or (501) 682-5288
