Little Free Library Unveils 200,000th Book-Sharing Box

Milestone library is the first of 200 granted to Title I schools nationwide

ST. PAUL, Minn., March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Little Free Library® (LFL) nonprofit organization is proud to announce a significant milestone: the installation of the 200,000th Little Free Library book-sharing box. This landmark library has been donated to Benjamin E. Mays IB World School, an elementary school in St. Paul's historic Rondo neighborhood. It marks the first of 200 Little Free Libraries being granted to Title I schools across the country, in an effort to expand children's access to books.

The 200,000th Little Free Library, located inside the school at 560 Rondo Ave, is exclusively for students. Designed to resemble a red one-room schoolhouse, it pays homage to the original Little Free Library built by LFL founder Todd H. Bol in 2009. This 200k milestone library joins LFL's worldwide network, which spans all 50 states, 128 countries, and all seven continents.

"We are honored to recognize all the work done by our global network of stewards and supporters to reach 200,000 Little Free Libraries," said LFL Executive Director Greig Metzger. "But as we celebrate the past, today's event is just as much about the future. The promising future embodied in these young scholars at Benjamin E. Mays IB World School. The future where all of us, no matter our age, economic status or residence, have the opportunity to readily access a book that can inspire, motivate and empower. Working together locally as a community, a community connected through Little Free Libraries, we hope to make this opportunity a reality for all."

To celebrate the unveiling, the school hosted a dedication ceremony featuring remarks from Metzger and Principal Dr. Kenneth O. Turner Jr., a ribbon-cutting, and story time. Roughly 50 students who excelled in a recent school-wide reading challenge attended the event. All 340 students, kindergarten through fifth grade, received books donated by Penguin Random House and participated in a dedicated reading session.

"Freedom is the road seldom traveled by the multitudes; however, literacy is the gateway to learn one's past, present and shape the future," said Dr. Turner. "Through literacy, one can travel the world, reading and learning about historical figures who have shaped the world. Literacy can take you into space and travel the galaxies far away. In the words of Dr. Mays, 'It is not a disgrace not to reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for.' Through literacy all is obtainable."

Two Hundred Little Free Libraries for Title I Schools

Following this morning's launch, 199 additional Little Free Libraries will be installed at Title I elementary schools nationwide. The libraries are sponsored in part by Books Unbanned and three of its consortium members—San José State University iSchool, Brooklyn Public Library and The Seattle Public Library—and Mortenson. Each library will be stocked with 200 brand-new books, part of Penguin Random House's generous donation of more than 40,000 books.

"Little Free Library is an essential partner in our effort to get more books into the hands of young readers that help them understand themselves and the world around them," said Claire von Schilling, EVP and Director of Corporate Communications and Social Responsibility, Penguin Random House. "We are honored to partner with them on this meaningful milestone!"

Schools receiving these libraries and books were selected through an application process, with winners sharing compelling stories of how a Little Free Library will impact their students:

• PS189X - Cornerstone Academy for Social Action, Bronx, NY – "Surrounded by fast-food restaurants and auto repair shops, our 269 Pre-K through 5th grade students have limited access to books. A Little Free Library will empower them to build personal libraries at home, develop positive reading habits, and share their love of books with their families."
  
  
• Iditarod Elementary School, Wasilla, AK – "Our resilient students face significant challenges, with 100% qualifying for free and reduced lunch. A Little Free Library will provide more opportunities to engage with books, fostering a lifelong love of reading and supporting literacy development."
  
  
• Somerset Lakes Academy, West Palm Beach, FL – "Many of our students have little to no books at home, and transportation barriers prevent families from reaching the public library. A Little Free Library will serve as a crucial bridge, providing ongoing access to literature for students, their siblings, parents, and the community."

To celebrate the 200,000th Little Free Library milestone and the distribution of 200 book-sharing boxes and 40,000 books to Title I schools, LFL is hosting a ticketed event on March 20 at the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul. Those unable to attend can take part by sharing a book in a Little Free Library, starting their own, volunteering with Team LFL or donating to support LFL's mission of expanding book access for all.

For more details, visit littlefreelibrary.org/200k.

ABOUT LITTLE FREE LIBRARY
Little Free Library® (LFL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds community, inspires readers and expands book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Library book-sharing boxes. There are more than 190,000 registered Little Free Libraries worldwide in all 50 states, in 128 countries and on all seven continents. LFL received the 2020 World Literacy Award as well as honors from the Library of Congress, National Book Foundation and others. The organization grants Little Free Libraries full of books to underserved areas through its Impact Library and Indigenous Library programs and champions diverse books through its Read in Color initiative. littlefreelibrary.org

ABOUT BENJAMIN E. MAYS WORLD IB SCHOOL
The Saint Paul community established Benjamin E. Mays IB World School in 1977. The school honors Dr. Mays as a leader in education and a great communicator. The school is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB)/Primary Years Programme school. Benjamin E. Mays helps students gain skills to think critically, communicate, research, ask questions and take action in the world around them. benmays.spps.org

ABOUT PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE
As the world's largest trade publisher, Penguin Random House has a mission to ignite a universal passion for reading by creating books for everyone. We believe that books, and the stories and ideas they hold, have the unique capacity to connect us, change us, and carry us toward a better future for generations to come. penguinrandomhouse.com

ABOUT BOOKS UNBANNED
Books Unbanned responds to an increasingly coordinated and effective effort to remove books tackling a wide range of topics from library shelves in schools and public libraries nationwide. Partnering libraries provide free digital library cards to teens and young adults across the country to enhance access to frequently banned materials and support the freedom to read. booksunbanned.com

Media Contact: Margret Aldrich / 715-690-2488 x805 / [email protected]

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SOURCE Little Free Library