One World Essentials Custom Library Application

Little Free Library
Side and back views of a One World Essentials library recognizing Ibram X. Kendi

Apply for a custom One World Essentials–themed Little Free Library:


In honor of One World Essentials—a program celebrating groundbreaking classics for our changing world—Little Free Library and One World are teaming up to bring custom book-sharing boxes to communities across the country. Each box is a mark of celebration and appreciation to the visionary thinkers who authored the One World Essentials: Ta-Nehisi Coates, Quiara Hudes, Dr. Mona Hanna, Cathy Park Hong, Ayana Johnson, Valarie Kaur, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Heather McGhee, Wes Moore, Trevor Noah, Bryan Stevenson, Karla Cornejo Villavicencio, Katharine K. Wilkinson.


Apply below to receive one of 12 no-cost Little Free Library book-exchange packages filled with books from the One World Essentials series. 


Please note:


Each library design is uniquely inspired by one of the 12 books in the One World Essentials and will be placed in a select geography significant to the book and/or author. To be eligible for a custom One World Essentials Little Free Library, please verify that your address matches one of the locations listed below.

  • Montgomery, AL- Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
  • Baltimore, MD- The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore
  • Oakland, CA- Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong
  • Los Angeles, CA- See No Stranger by Valarie Kaur
  • Philadelphia, PA- My Broken Language by Quiara Alegria Hudes
  • Brooklyn, NY- The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee
  • Manhattan, NY- Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
  • Atlanta, GA- All We Can Save edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine K. Wilkinson
  • Baltimore, MD- Between The World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
  • Ossining, NY- The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio
  • Flint, MI- What The Eyes Don't See by Mona Hanna
  • Washington, DC- How To Be an Antiracist by Ibram Kendi

Each package includes:


  • Fully assembled, custom Two Story Shed library in black paint (see photo above)

  • Standard Little Free Library charter sign

  • Wood post kit for outdoor installation OR a set of legs for indoor installation (choice determined upon confirmation)

  • Package of 25 new books to stock the library (supplied by One World)

  • LFL Steward’s Guide and support materials


Expectations:

  • You must be able to install the Little Free Library no later than June 30, 2026.

  • Set up a Little Free Library steward account (if you do not already have one).

  • Add the library location and photo to the Little Free Library World Map.

  • Share photos and details about your location upon installation with Little Free Library.

  • Credit and tag Little Free Library and One World when sharing about your book-sharing box on social media or in the news.

  • Respond to all follow-up communications from Little Free Library as needed.


Before applying...


Review the following.  Applicants who do not meet these requirements will not be eligible.

  1. Library location and shipping address must be in the United States.

  2. Applicant must be 18 years or older.

  3. Applicant must be a local person responsible for and with regular access to the library.

  4. Applicant must have permission to apply on behalf of an organization. (if applicable)

  5. Applicant must have a confirmed library location with all necessary permissions/permits.

  6. One application per household or organization per six months. 

Tips...


Already have a book-sharing box? Apply for official Free Charter Signs.
Looking for books? Check out our Book Opportunities for existing stewards.

Don't forget to click on "CONFIRM" on the next page for your application to be reviewed! Applications are reviewed the month after they are submitted. 


Add specialprojects@littlefreelibrary.org to your contacts and safe senders list to get email updates!


Complete this application using a computer for the best experience.


While we don't recommend using artificial intelligence (AI) to do all the work of completing this application, we understand that AI tools can be helpful to do research, start drafts, and strengthen your statements. There are real humans reading your application and we are looking for authentic, well-thought-out answers to our questions. As we are only able to award a limited number of grants each month, we prioritize applicants that have taken time to give us a real sense of the difference the Impact program would make in their community in their own words.


Applicant Information






Optional
Applicant Contact Information

We will send a text to notify you if you are awarded a library grant package.

Separate sets of numbers

Separate sets of numbers

Secondary Contact Information
It is important that we are able to contact someone regarding this Little Free Library to ensure proper library care and stewardship. Please enter a secondary contact associated with your organization who can be contacted in the event that we are unable to reach you. 



Separate sets of numbers

If you are applying as part of an organization, please include the contact info for a colleague in the event that we cannot reach you. If you are applying as an individual, please include the contact info for a family member or another responsible party.

United States only

We cannot deliver to Post Office Boxes

Optional



Library's Physical Address

Unsure? Please verify the name with a search.







United States only
Community Information

Thank you for taking the time to accurately answer the following questions! 

Little Free Library tracks this data so we can continue to give libraries where they are needed most.


Check all that apply

Check all that apply

Please verify using the map.  Tip: Search map using your full physical address.

Please verify using the map.  Tip: Start by searching for the state and then zoom in for an exact location
Verifying if your local school(s) is a Title 1 School for the question below takes additional steps:
  1. Search map for Public Schools using a zip code (or exact name). 
  2. Click on the school name. 
  3. Check the “School Details” section (pale blue) to see if there is a "Yes" for Title 1 School.

Please verify with a search.


Please verify using the map.  Tip: Search map using your full physical address.
Community Impact

Responses in this section, as well as your name, partner organization and city and state will be made public if awarded a grant. 

Please include at least 2-3 sentences in your answer to each of the questions in this section. The more we know about your community needs, the better informed our granting decisions are.  To view examples of the kinds of responses we are looking for, please click on this link.

200 words max

200 words max

200 words max
Previous Experience (does not affect eligibility)


Extra Information





Agreements (all are required for eligibility)
Explain any inability to agree to these terms in the Comment box at the bottom.









I agree to the following terms if awarded a Little Free Library Grant:
  1. I will attach all signs included and install the library at the designated location.
  2. Set up a steward account and complete the library registration.
  3. I will add the library’s location and photo to the Little Free Library world map. *If your library is not mapped by the first of the following month you receive your grant, LFL will automatically map your library for you. The location and address of your library will be public. There is an option to opt out of mapping if needed.
  4. I will submit a photo and story about the impact of the library after installation.
  5. I will respond to all follow-up communications from Little Free Library.
  6. I will credit the Little Free Library and tag the Little Free Library on social media.
  7. I will acknowledge that Little Free Library® and its logo are registered trademarks of LFL, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  LFL grants Impact grant recipients revocable, non-transferable permission to use our trademarked name and logo to promote our collaborative activities through their communication channels and promotional materials.  When using LFL's marks, Impact grant recipients must state "Little Free Library® and its logo are registered trademarks of Little Free Library, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and are used with its permission.” Impact grant recipients may not alter LFL's trademark or logo, use it to raise funds, sell goods or services or otherwise claim a direct affiliation with LFL without the express, written permission of LFL in advance.

Permissions, Privacy & Trademark Policies (required for eligibility)

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  2. A copy will go to the email address entered after clicking the "Confirm" button.