# Cheerful Mini Atheneums The Nolita Little Free Library Promotes Community and Reading in New York By Meghan Young | Published 2013-05-31 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nolita-little-free-library References: [neatorama](http://www.neatorama.com/2013/05/30/The-Little-Free-Library/) & [stereotank](http://www.stereotank.com/Little-Free-Library) Small and cheerful, the Nolita Little Free Library is a playful [outdoor installation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banned-books-jail) that encourages community, reading and more. At first, people might mistake it for a miniature water tank due to its circular top and four-legged stance. Thankfully, its purpose is scrawled on the exterior as an invite to passersby to check it out. Commissioned by the [Architectural League of New York](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rene-gailhoustet) in collaboration with Pen World Voices Festival, the Nolita Little Free Library was created by Venezuelan design firm Stereotank. Located in New York City just outside St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral School, it allows users to take the time to immerse themselves while browsing through [books to borrow or exchange](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scent-lending-library) them. It will be open until September. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 10% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Community Building:** The Nolita Little Free Library promotes community engagement by providing a space for people to connect through reading. - **Outdoor Installations:** The use of playful outdoor installations, like the Nolita Little Free Library, encourages interaction and creativity in public spaces. - **Book Sharing:** The concept of borrowing and exchanging books at places like the Nolita Little Free Library fosters a sense of sharing and sustainability. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Design and Architecture:** Design firms can explore creating more outdoor installations that promote community engagement and creativity. - **Publishing:** Publishers can support the book sharing movement by sponsoring or creating more spaces like the Nolita Little Free Library. - **Education:** Educational institutions can take inspiration from the Nolita Little Free Library to encourage reading and community-building initiatives. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Open-Air Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-billyotheque.md) - [Temporary Translucent Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-liberia.md) - [Mobile Reading Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/library-of-us.md) - [Reading-Focused Compact Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/library-tiny-house.md) - [Block Puzzled Book Nooks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-book-nook.md) - [Book-Inspired Public Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sit-down-to-read.md) - [Memory-Grounded School Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rahmah-library.md) - [Arched Opening Village Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pkinception.md) - [Script-Covered Library Facades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/far-rockaway-library.md)