Silver Award: Little Free Library at Camp

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Troop 2908 wanted campers to have access to books during downtime while camping. For their silver award, this Cadette troop built Little Free Libraries for three camps!

Taking the Project to the Community

We’ve included some patch suggestions to give to participants. See all our fun patches.

While working on this project, the troop noticed a need for Little Libraries in their local community and they set out to fill that need.

Thanks to this hardworking troop, Honey Bee Boba Tea Shop and the Salvation Army in Eastern Missouri now have their own Little Libraries.

Great job girls!

3 Methods for Making Your Own Free Libraries

Depending on your woodworking comfort level and how much time you want to spend, here are three excellent, highly detailed plans you can use:

1. The Standard “Cedar Roof Basic” Library

If you want the classic, iconic look of a miniature wooden house with a pitched roof, this blueprint is the standard go-to. You can download the official, community-tested layout via the Little Free Library Standard Plans (PDF).

2. The “Lazy Little Library” (Pocket-Hole Method)

You need a pocket-hole jig (like a Kreg tool) but this method creates incredibly strong, hidden joints that keep the exterior looking completely clean and seamless.

Step-by-step assembly diagrams can be found on the Kreg Tool Lazy Little Library Plans.

3. The “Cabinet Hack” (Easiest & Most Sustainable)

If you want to skip building a complex box from scratch, you can upcycle old furniture. And use resources wisely!

Look on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for a small, solid-wood kitchen upper cabinet or a wall-mounted curio cabinet that already features glass doors.

Follow the guide on Live Free Creative Co
to see how to add a pitched roof framing directly onto the top of a cabinet. You just screw a simple triangular frame to the top, overlay it with leftover plywood, and cap it with shingles.

Official Registration: If you want your library to show up on the global map so neighbors can find it, you can grab an official charter sign through the Little Free Library Organization.

Find a Little Free Library by You

Want to find Little Free Libraries near you? Get the Little Free Library mobile app! Get it in the App Store for iOS devices or the Google Play Store for Android devices.

The Little Free Library app makes it easy to find little library locations near you. You can get directions, save your favorites, track the libraries you visit, and even earn badges! If you’re a Little Free Library steward, there’s a section of the app just for you where you can edit your library’s details.