Looking to get your nose in a book? You’ve come to the right place.
Nonprofit Little Free Library (LFL) — which is based in St. Paul, MN — is on a mission to spread a love of reading via its network of volunteer-led tiny libraries.
How it works
No need for a library card, LFLs operate on a take a book, leave a book model. So, if you have an old book that’s collecting dust, you can drop it off at a library and grab a different book in exchange — no due dates.
Generally, LFLs stand on wooden posts and are decorated because they want to be seen. There are more than 200,000 LFLs in the world, including ~50 mapped locations across Austin.
Here are a few little Austin libraries that are worth a visit — but if you get lost, you can use the app to get back on the right page.
Central Austin
Since 2017, the charter #58740 library has been helping Austinites discover new books. All books are welcome here, but it places a special emphasis on children’s titles.
Find it: 4610 Depew Ave.
North Austin
Be on the look out for this coffin-shaped library on Hilltop Street in Eubank Acres. Charter #159216 claims it might be haunted, so we’re guessing it’ll have a scary story or two.
Find it: 11501 Hilltop St.
South Austin
If you find yourself at the traffic circle at Oaks at Twin Creeks, you’ll find Charter #103558. In addition to books, it tends to have games + snacks you can check out.
Find it: Island Oak Drive + Auction Oak Drive traffic circle
East Austin
Howdy, this Central East Austin library is sponsored by the Buy Nothing Project and features art by Ruby Bean, who grew up in the neighborhood. Charter #195509 is dedicated to providing young readers with books that showcase diversity.
Find it: 1909 New York Ave.
Southwest Austin
Discover this, charter #26320 was built to share mystery novels by female authors. Need a clue finding it? It’s up the street from The Vegan Yacht.
Find it: 2315 Southern Oaks Dr.
Interested in starting your Little Free Library? Find info on how to volunteer.
