ST. PAUL, MN – A recent study conducted by the nonprofit organization Little Free Library (LFL) has shed light on the profound influence of Little Free Library book-sharing boxes on children’s reading habits. The research, carried out by Pier Partners consultancy group in collaboration with The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), confirms a key insight: children who have access to a Little Free Library tend to spend more time reading.

The multi-site observational study took place from September to November 2024, focusing on the impact of Little Free Libraries on book access and reading frequency, especially among underserved communities. Researchers surveyed 768 children in Baltimore County, Md., and discovered that increased availability of books led to more frequent reading.

“Access to books is at the heart of Little Free Library’s mission,” said Greig Metzger, LFL Executive Director. “These findings confirm what we’ve long believed and known anecdotally—when children visit a Little Free Library and discover a book that brings them joy, or a book that they can connect with, they read more. And that act of reading opens up a whole wide world of opportunities.”

The study also revealed that Little Free Libraries are particularly effective in boosting book access and reading frequency among specific demographics.

In schools where 65% or more of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 62% of children reported reading more when they visit a Little Free Library—double the rate of their peers in higher-income schools (32%).

A substantial 63% of BIPOC students reported an increased reading in weeks they visit a Little Free Library, compared to 39% of non-BIPOC students.

English Language Learners (ELLs) students experienced the most significant increase in reading frequency, with 72% reading more during weeks when they accessed a Little Free Library.

Beyond increasing reading time, the study found that children are discovering engaging, high-quality books in Little Free Libraries:

• 90% of children reported finding high-quality books.
• 87% discovered books that excited them.
• 75% found books with relatable characters.

Key Findings:

Greater Access to Books: An impressive 92% of children reported having more access to books thanks to Little Free Library book-sharing boxes.

Increased Reading Time: On average, children who visit a Little Free Library read an additional 1.1 days per week. Nearly half (49%) indicated that they read more frequently since they started using a Little Free Library.

Home Library Growth: A significant 88% of children mentioned that they now keep more books at home, contributing to the growth of their personal libraries.

LFL acknowledged that this study focused on an urban setting and plans to expand future research to include rural and Indigenous communities. The Baltimore region was chosen for this study due to the density of its Little Free Libraries, the diversity of geography and demographics served, and the strength of Little Free Library’s partnership with The Education Foundation of BCPS.