8 DIY Little Free Library Plans That Anyone Can Build

These Little Free Library plans will help you build your own library right in your neighborhood so you can share your love of books with everyone you know.

The Little Free Library project has been sweeping the nation for years now, encouraging anyone and everyone to put up a LFL in their community. At a Little Free Library, anyone can take a book and leave a book so they can get something new to read and share books that they love with their neighbors.

Building a Little Free Library a fairly easy woodworking project that's light on the wallet and doesn't take a lot of time. The free plans below include diagrams, photos, and building instructions so you can easily build your own LFL.

After you've built your own Little Free Library, be sure to make it official so you can get it officially listed and get lots of tips on how to make it successful.

01 of 08

Little Free Library Plan From Alan Baker

Alan Baker / Instructables

AlanWBaker at Instructables has this little free library plan that has step-by-step instructions and real images to help you along the way.

We like this plan because it lists all the materials and tools required to build the entire library, from start to finish. You'll get a small and simple LFL that will look great in your yard or community.

Little Free Library Plan from alanwbaker/Instructables
02 of 08

How to Build a Little Free Library From Scout Life

rasilja / Getty Images

Scout Life has designed a little free library plan that you can download and use for free. This LFL uses recycled materials such as pallets or old fencing to make the walls, roof, and floor. A few other materials are needed but this is a quick project that even a young man can tackle.

Besides a supply list, there are written instructions and clearly labeled diagrams to make this a fun afternoon or weekend project.

How to Build a Little Free Library from Scout Life
03 of 08

The Architectural League of NY's Little Free Library Plan

Cevan Castle / The Architectural League of NY

This is another free little library that supports five spaces that could be used for books as well as things like art, plants, or maps. The unique design allows for all visitors to be able to view some books at eye level.

Build this LFL from The Architectural League of New York by following along with the diagrams and instructions in this 10-page PDF. Your neighbors will be amazed at the unique little free library that took you only a few hours to build.

Little Free Library Plan from The Architectural League of New York
04 of 08

Little Free Library Plan From Sterotank

Stereotank / The Architectural League of NY

This is a unique little free library plan from Sterotank that describes building a library in a tower-like shape that you see in the picture. The books are stacked together on a shelf on the inside, and you can look through the holes to see them and duck inside to take them. It uses repurposed materials and objects.

Assembly diagrams and notes are included in this short, 4-page PDF, as well as a full materials list.

Little Free Library Plan from Sterotank

Continue to 5 of 8 below
05 of 08

Little Free Library Plan From LFL

Buddy Mays / Getty Images

This is a plan from the official Little Free Library website that comes as a 5-page PDF file. The library stands at just over 2 feet tall supported by a five-foot post that you'll need to bury, although no cement is required. It uses plexiglass for the door to the inside of the library. It's modeled after an Amish cabin and is cute as can be.

Throughout the plan are illustrations and dimensions for building every part of the little library. There's also a Facebook group listed on the plans that you can join for help and inspiration photos.

Free Little Free Library Plan from Little Free Library
06 of 08

Little Free Library Plan From The Architectural League NY

Shannon Harvey / The Architectural League of NY

Shannon Harvey's plan from The Architectural League NY is for a little free library that is much easier to build than some of the others on this list. It simply consists of two walls and some shelves.

The 2-page PDF gives all the components you'll need to build the library, and even codes them with letters of the alphabet so you can refer to them in the instructions.

Free Little Free Library Plan from The Architectural League NY
07 of 08

Little Free Library Plan From James Zimmerman

Little Free Library

This is a 13-step plan for building your own little free library. You'll create a two-shelf library with a door that closes, and an optional side shelf.

This is very easy to follow. You'll learn exactly which supplies you'll need, and then you'll walk through the guide, first cutting the pieces for the sides and back, and then bottom, the roof, and the frame. Assembly directions and photos are included as well.

Free Little Free Library Plan from James Zimmerman/Little Free Library
08 of 08

Little Free Library Globe from The Architectural League of NY

The Architectural League of New York

This little free library is super unique! Instead of a wood housing, it features an acrylic globe with an LED solar light. Additional books can be stored in an enclosed box just below the globe.

This LFL plan only has four pages, so it'll be a bit harder to construct than the other plans listed above. It is, however, very detailed and illustrates all the parts you need.

Little Free Library Plan from The Architectural League of New York