Milwaukee Area Little Free Library Guide

Chances are, you’ve seen a Little Free Library in your neighborhood. At first glance, they may look like over-sized birdhouses, but these little libraries are actually points of light in communities, promoting literacy, creating community, and cultivating a love of reading.

What is a Little Free Library?

These libraries are more than just a box of books. According to their official website, Little Free Libraries “are hand-crafted structures that contain constantly changing collections of books donated and shared by people of all ages and backgrounds.” Each library is one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted, and maintained by the neighbors right in your own community. There are currently over 100,000 registered Little Free Libraries in all 50 states and 85 countries! Their motto is “Take a Book, Return a Book, ” so the selection is always new. It’s kind of like a treasure hunt because you never know what kind of fun books you will discover! The whole goal is to create a sense of community surrounding books and literacy and to encourage a love of reading among all ages!

Find a Little Free Library Near You!

With so many libraries spread all over the country, how are you supposed to find one? No need to wander the streets looking for one, although, it would be a great way to meet your neighbors! Use the map found here to find a Little Free Library near you. Then get out there, explore your community and grow a love of reading in your family!

Milwaukee Mom is thrilled to be involved with stewarding a NEW Little Free Library!

Charter: #115773
Location: Waukesha, WI
Instagram: @thelittlecornerlibrary

The Little Corner Library is a new registered Little Free Library that opened in Waukesha, WI in spring of 2021, pledged to the #ReadinColor initiative. Read in Color is a new initiative bringing diverse books to Little Free Library book-sharing boxes around the world. Read in Color distributes books that provide perspectives on racism and social justice, celebrate BIPOC and LGBTQ voices, and incorporate experiences from all identities for all readers.

The Little Corner Library will also be providing books by LOCAL authors!

With enough book donations, not only can we fill THIS library with a variety of books from BIPOC and LGBTQ voices, but we can also help to distribute these books to other Little Free Libraries around the greater Milwaukee area.

>> CLICK HERE to shop the Wish List to send books directly to The Little Corner Library! <<

Charter #66720 – 2528 N Dousman St.

At the age of 7, Kate loved little free libraries and was borrowing from and contributing to the libraries in her neighborhood. When Kate’s Papi asks his brother to build Kate her very own little library, he immediately said yes and asked Kate what he ought to model it on. Kate liked the idea of a movie theater, and her great uncle decided to recreate the historic Oriental Theater from Kate’s home town. Come see it!

Charter #9001 – 3557 N. Cramer St.

Attention Wizards and Muggles alike! Anyone who loves the Wizarding World will stop in their tracks at this incredible Little Free Library. With a wand for a handle and solar powered backlit starfield lights, this is not your average lending library.

Charter #77788 – 3518 N. Frederick Ave.

This Little Free Library is eye-catching to say the least, featuring a very famous pooch! On one side, there’s a frame that features a rotating photo of the “featured dog of the week,” along with his or her story. Finally, what Snoopy dog house would be complete without a comfy spot for his side-kick, Woodstock? That’s his retro apartment on top, conveniently lit up at night via solar light.

Charter #10898 – 2903 N Teutonia Ave.

Located just outside Milwaukee Fire Station 30 off Locust Ave, this large Little Free Library features a beautiful mural on the side you will want to make sure to get a closer look at!

Charter #6387 – 929 E Townsend St.

Brightly-painted and always well stocked, this Little Free Library is very popular among the four-legged neighbors as well as the humans. It is one block north of Roverwest Dog Park and a popular stop for doggies and their owners; treats for the doggies.

Charter #94417 – 3300 S Pine Ave, Bay View

You won’t be able to miss this Little Free LIGHTHOUSE Library! Designed to reflect the lakeside vibe of the Bay View neighborhood, this lending library boasts a bountiful interior just bursting with books!

Charter #118302 – W Hampton & N Navajo Ave

Interested in starting your own Little Free Library?

Check out their website for more information on how to put one of these adorable community-building resources in your own backyard. Get your kids involved in the building process and have fun!