Our Little Free Library
I want my students to love reading and books! One of the ways I help encourage that is through our very own Little Free Library right here at Discovery Adventures Preschool.
What Is a Little Free Library?
Little Free Libraries are small book-sharing boxes that have popped up all over the country—and even the world! Ours is a small black “locker” tucked next to the sidewalk by our pine trees.
Inside, you’ll find two shelves:
Top Shelf – stocked with middle grade books for big brothers, sisters, and neighborhood kids.
Bottom Shelf – filled with picture books and easy readers that are just right for preschoolers.
How to Use It
The motto for Little Free Libraries is simple: “Take a book. Leave a book.”
Borrow a book to take home.
When you’re done, return it or replace it with another book.
Donations are always welcome! Along with books, you can also leave DVDs, games, puzzles, or other family-friendly items for the community to enjoy.
Why I Started One
I wanted my students to have the joy of choosing books to take home and enjoy outside of class. When I discovered Little Free Libraries about five years ago, I knew it was the perfect fit for our preschool!
It’s been such a joy to see children check out books before or after class—sometimes for themselves, sometimes for older siblings. Watching their excitement reminds me how special it is to make reading a part of everyday life. My hope is that our Little Free Library adds a little extra reading magic to your family’s days.
A Quick Note
Because little ones are curious and energetic, the library can sometimes take damage (like if the door gets slammed or climbed on). Please help encourage your child to treat it gently so everyone can continue to enjoy it.
A Note for Fellow Preschool Teachers
Hey, Preschool Teacher Friends! 👋
I used to think about starting a “Take Home Library” like you see in some kindergarten and early elementary classrooms. But here’s what I ran into:
📚 Cost – Buying enough books for every child to take home each week adds up quickly.
🕒 Time – Managing check-outs and returns can take a lot of time (unless you have dedicated volunteers).
😅 Hassle – Forgetful families, lost books, or classroom library books accidentally going home can be frustrating.
That’s why I’ve found that a Little Free Library is a great solution! Kids still get the excitement of choosing books to bring home, but it comes with minimal cost, time, and hassle for me.
Most of the books in the library are too advanced for our pre-readers, but that doesn’t stop them from benefiting—parents often read the books aloud, and kids love being part of the process. And to fill the gap for our youngest readers, I’ve started creating my own emergent readers that are developmentally appropriate for preschoolers. It’s the best of both worlds!