A study released on February 12, by nonprofit Little Free Library shows the impact of their book-sharing boxes on children reading habits. Pier Partners consultancy group led the study, with help from The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS). The results confirmed a key insight: When children have access to Little Free Libraries, they spend more time reading.
The study conducted from September to November 2024, examined the influence of the boxes on access to books and reading frequency, particularly in underserved communities. 768 children were observed in Baltimore County, Maryland and the researchers found that having more access to books led to more reading:
- Greater Access to Books – 92% of children reported having more access to books because of Little Free Library book-sharing boxes.
- Increased Reading Time – Children who visit a Little Free Library read an average of 1.1 additional days per week. Nearly half (49%) reported reading more frequently since they began using a Little Free Library.
- Home Library Growth – 88% of children said they now keep more books at home, helping them build personal libraries.
The study also broke down how effective Little Free Libraries are in helping with book access and reading frequency among key demographics:
- Low-Income Schools – 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%).
- BIPOC Students – 63% of BIPOC students reported reading more in weeks they visit a Little Free Library, compared to 39% of non-BIPOC students.
- English Language Learners (ELLs) – ELL students experienced the most significant boost in reading frequency, with 72% reading more in weeks when they accessed a Little Free Library.
More than just increased time reading, the study found that children are discovering more high-quality, engaging books in Little Free Libraries;
- 90% reported finding high-quality books
- 87% found books that excited them
75% found books with characters they found relatable
Says Greig Metzger, LFL Executive Director, “Access to books is at the heart of Little Free Library’s Mission. These findings confirm what we’ve long believed and known anecdotally-when children visit a Little Free Library and discover 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.”
LFL acknowledged this is a small study focused on an urban setting and plans to have more research to include rural and Indigenous communities. The Baltimore reason was chosen for this study because of the amount of Little Free Libraries, the diversity of the community and geography, demographics served and the strength of Little Free Library’s partner, The Education Foundation of BCPS. C