# Book-Filled Benches The Little Free Library Offers Free Libraries on the Streets By M | Published 2013-06-06 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-libraries References: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/design/word-play-little-free-librarynew-york/) & [chattravieso](http://www.chattravieso.com/) Chat Travieso brings free libraries and reading to the street in New York with the [Little Free Library](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banned-books). The Little Free Library concept works to bring people free, approachable and convenient books on-the-go in public spaces. Chat Travieso designed a Little Free Library on a [park bench](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/traffic-light-bench) in the Lower East Side. The bench is essentially a big optical illusion made from vertically parallel slaps of plywood that plays around with perspectives. From the front, the Little Free Library looks like a wooden plank bench with the words 'LIBRARY' written across the back. But, from the side, you can see a 3D pull-open shelf filled with tucked away books located in the middle of the bench. The free libraries bench is a great place to sit, relax and catch up on some reading. Photo Credits: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/design/word-play-little-free-librarynew-york/), [chattravieso](http://www.chattravieso.com/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 72% | Activity: 44% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Education](https://www.trendhunter.com/education) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Little Free Libraries On-the-go:** The trend of providing free libraries in public spaces through innovative designs to offer reading on-the-go. - **Interactive Book Benches:** Using optical illusion and innovative designs to create book-filled benches that double as public art installations. - **Community Book Sharing:** The trend of communities coming together to create book-sharing programs and exchange books in public spaces. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Public Art:** Opportunity for public art installations that also provide a useful service. - **Outdoor Furniture:** Innovative designs and materials that can turn outdoor furniture into functional public libraries. - **Community-based Initiatives:** Opportunities for organizations looking to support community-based initiatives by funding these free library programs and encouraging book sharing. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Book-Inspired Public Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sit-down-to-read.md) - [Mobile Glass Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-libreria.md) - [Mobile Reading Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/library-of-us.md) - [Tranquil Reading Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chapters-furniture.md) - [Temporary Translucent Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-liberia.md) - [Block Puzzled Book Nooks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-book-nook.md) - [Reading-Focused Compact Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/library-tiny-house.md) - [Wood-Lined London Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lea-bridge-library.md) - [Provocative Banned Books Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banned-books-jail.md)