• There are 1,600 Little Free Libraries — those book-filled boxes that allow you to grab or donate something to read — in L.A. County.
• We rounded up 8 pleasant L.A. walks that will bring you by these outposts and show you a local neighborhood, too.
Nestled among carefully landscaped front yards and tucked into unassuming corners of L.A.’s bustling street corners, a literary revolution is taking place in miniature. Little Free Libraries, those charming book-filled boxes perched on posts, have become landmarks for wanderers and bibliophiles alike across our sprawling metropolis.
These tiny outposts operate on a simple directive: Take a book, leave a book. What started in 2009 as one man’s tribute to his mother in Hudson, Wis., has blossomed into a global phenomenon, with over 150,000 registered Little Free Libraries in more than 120 countries that have helped share more than 400 million books, according to the nonprofit of the same name that runs the program.
Each library is a reflection of its community, showcasing a microcosm of local interests, passions, and generosity. One might house dog-eared paperbacks and well-loved children’s books; another might be stuffed with obscure poetry collections or mass-market bodice rippers. And the next day, it could be totally different, depending on who dropped by . Little Free Library designs are equally diverse, ranging from miniature replicas of their stewards’ homes to whimsical creations resembling spaceships or fairy dwellings.
For those traveling foot, these libraries transform an ordinary stroll into a treasure hunt. Every box is a potential discovery, offering the thrill of finding an unexpected title or the joy of leaving a beloved story for someone else to pick up. They become natural pausing points, inviting us to linger, browse and perhaps strike up a conversation with a fellow book lover.
There are 1,600 Little Free Libraries in L.A. County, according to the nonprofit, with even more people taking inspiration from the program and building their libraries independently.
The nonprofit makes it a breeze to start your own library, selling kits that are either pre-assembled or need some light handy work, starting at under $200. allows you access to book giveaways and a Facebook group full of like-minded library stewards.
Ready for a literary walking adventure across Los Angeles? Start by downloading the official app or pulling it up on the map on your phone to find libraries near you. Sure, you might leave empty-handed, but the thrill of the hunt is half the fun. Here are eight especially pleasant walks to get you started.
