Discover Lebanon's Little Free Libraries!

Written on 10/02/2025

Sarah Hampton

The Little Free Library movement began in 2009 when Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin, built a small book box in his yard to honor his late mother, a teacher who loved to read. What started as a simple idea “take a book, leave a book” quickly spread. By 2012, Bol and his partner Rick Brooks had launched a nonprofit to grow the project. Today, you can find Little Free Libraries in all 50 states and more than 128 countries, connecting millions of people through the joy of books.

Discover Lebanon's Little Free Libraries!

And right here in Lebanon, we’re part of that movement. Our town is home to six Little Free Libraries, each one ready for you and your family to explore. They’re easy to use, just walk up, open the little door, and pick out a book. When you’re finished, you can bring it back or exchange it for another. Families often donate books their kids have outgrown, so there’s always something new waiting for the next reader.

Lebanon’s Little Free Libraries can be found at:

• Adams & Elm St, in the yard of a charming home behind Walgreen’s

• Atchley Park, near the playground

• Commercial St & Washington, in front of the beautiful mural

• Maplecrest Elementary School

• Dawn’s Little Free Library on E Commercial St, next to True Wellness

*Calee Swalley's Eagle Project at United Methodist Church park

What makes these libraries special is more than the books inside, it’s the sense of community they create. Parents can share the stories their children once loved with new families. Kids can find treasures that spark their imagination. Neighbors can connect through the simple act of sharing.

The mission of Little Free Library is to build community, inspire reading, and expand access to books. Every box in Lebanon is a small but powerful reminder that books bring us together. They open doors to learning, adventure, and understanding, and they do it for free, right in our own neighborhoods.

So the next time you’re out for a walk, stop by one of Lebanon’s Little Free Libraries. Let your kids pick out a story. Drop off a book that someone else might love. Be part of something bigger than just a bookshelf, it’s a movement that connects us all.

At Lebanon Now, we believe stories like these deserve to be told. Sarah Hampton is our community features reporter. If you have a story worth sharing, email her at sarah@lebanonmonow.com.

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