# Birdhouse Bookshops The Little Free Library Program Encourages Public Literacy By Amelia Roblin | Published 2011-09-09 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-free-library References: [neatorama](http://www.neatorama.com/2011/09/08/tiny-free-libraries/) & [littlefreelibrary.org](http://www.littlefreelibrary.org/media-all-about-little-free-libraries.html) What's beginning as a relatively localized movement will hopefully grow quickly, because I believe that every neighborhood in North America could benefit from a [Little Free Library](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banned-books). Essentially this initiative involves the installation of an oversized bird house next to the street, as a means for citizens to carry on a casual [novel loaning program](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pkinception). For people who are intimidated by the [large public book rooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/purposebuild-library), this alternative to discovering new reads is much more approachable. It becomes a fantastic way for different members of the community to recommend and share their favorite stories, by generously donating their personal paperbacks and hardcovers to these cute pitched-roof cabinets. The people behind the Little Free Library project have a sponsorship program for bringing the friendly phenomenon to new districts. They also sell pre-made miniature abodes, as well as instructions for building your own. Photo Credits: [Super Punch](http://superpunch.blogspot.com/2011/09/little-free-library.html) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 61% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Localized Book Exchange:** The Little Free Library initiative encourages the growth of localized book exchanges, promoting public literacy and community engagement. - **Alternative Book Discovery:** Little Free Libraries provide a more approachable alternative to large public book rooms, making it easier for people to discover new reads. - **Community Sharing:** The installation of birdhouse bookshops promotes a sense of community by allowing members to recommend and share their favorite stories with each other. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Publishing:** Publishing companies can partner with the Little Free Library project to promote their books and reach a wider audience through localized book exchanges. - **Real Estate:** Real estate developers can incorporate Little Free Libraries into their neighborhoods as a unique amenity, attracting book lovers and promoting a sense of community. - **Education:** Schools and educational institutions can embrace the Little Free Library initiative to foster a love for reading and provide access to books for students in underserved areas. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mobile Glass Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-libreria.md) - [Mobile Reading Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/library-of-us.md) - [Book-Inspired Public Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sit-down-to-read.md) - [Block Puzzled Book Nooks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-book-nook.md) - [Book-Themed Bar Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/book-bar-toronto.md) - [Birdhouse-Integrated Address Signs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/our-common-house.md) - [Reading-Focused Compact Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/library-tiny-house.md) - [Book Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cornwall-public-library.md) - [QSR Book Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/expand-book-access.md)