Little Free Library icon
Little Free Library App Connects Readers with Community Book Exchanges

by Little Free Library, Ltd

3.5
IOSBooks
This app serves as a digital companion to the global Little Free Library network, helping users locate nearby book-sharing boxes. Designed to help bibliophiles and community members discover new reads and share their own, it turns book exchange into a guided activity. A solid choice for those who enjoy spontaneous literary discoveries in their neighborhood.

Detailed Review

The Little Free Library app functions as an official digital tool for interacting with the vast network of physical, community-run book exchange boxes. Its primary role is to map registered Little Free Library locations, providing details and directions to turn a casual walk into a literary adventure. In a market filled with digital reading platforms, this app stands apart by fostering real-world book discovery and community engagement rather than focusing on screen-based consumption. Core functionality revolves around an interactive map, searchable by location, which displays registered Little Free Library boxes. Users can view photos of each library, read descriptions from its steward, and get navigation instructions. The app includes features for checking in to libraries visited and maintaining a digital log of discoveries. For stewards who manage a library, the app offers tools to update their listing's information and photo, though this requires the library to be officially registered with the parent organization. In practical use, the app performs best as a planning tool for outings or a spontaneous reference when exploring new areas. The user experience is straightforward, with a clean map interface that loads locations efficiently. However, its utility is inherently tied to the accuracy and completeness of its database, which depends on stewards actively maintaining their listings. Real-world testing reveals it can be particularly useful for planning a walking or cycling route that includes several library stops, turning a simple errand into a book-hunting expedition. Regarding user feedback, as a relatively niche app, widespread public reviews are sparse. Available commentary suggests users appreciate the concept and the ability to contribute to a sharing economy. Some early adopters note that the map's comprehensiveness varies by region, with urban and suburban areas often better represented than rural ones. The lack of in-app community features, like leaving digital notes for future visitors, is occasionally mentioned as a missed opportunity for deeper connection. Ultimately, the Little Free Library app succeeds in its fundamental goal of making the physical network more discoverable. Its value is directly proportional to a user's proximity to registered boxes and their interest in tangible book exchange. While the app itself is functional and purpose-built, its impact is limited by the underlying data provided by the volunteer steward community. It represents a useful, if specialized, tool for promoting literacy and community interaction one book at a time.

Key Features

  • Interactive map with GPS navigation that guides users to registered Little Free Library book-sharing boxes in any searched location.
  • Detailed library listings include photos and descriptions from stewards, helping users know what to expect before they visit.
  • Visit logging allows users to check in at libraries they find, creating a personal history of their book exchange adventures.
  • Steward management tools enable library owners to update their box’s photo and information directly through the app after verification.
  • Search and filter functions let users explore libraries in a specific city or browse recently added locations to the network.
  • Offline access to previously viewed map data ensures basic functionality remains available without an internet connection.

Why Users Love It

Promotes local community engagement and literacy
Simple, focused tool for a specific real-world activity

Perfect for: Perfect for avid readers, families, and community-minded individuals who enjoy discovering physical books and supporting neighborhood sharing initiatives.

Screenshots

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Ranking History

Track Little Free Library's performance in Books over the last 30 days

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Current Rank

#38

Best Rank

#27

All-time high

Average Rank

#33

30-day average

User Reviews

Ry61384
Mar 23, 2022

This is the coolest app right now. I really like being able to favorite all the libraries in my area to go and find all the cool stuff inside later. It is also so easy to update my library profile. If you have a library please add it to the world map cause you will get more visitors that way. Super Awesome App This is the coolest app right now. I really like being able to favorite all the libraries in my area to go and find all the cool stuff inside later. It is also so easy to update my library profile. If you have a library please add it to the world map cause you will get more visitors that way.

xzentervanax
Sep 20, 2024

I love this idea of little library’s in the community, I ride with my husband for Uber eats deliveries and sometimes I rather read a book than to use my phone. Great I love this idea of little library’s in the community, I ride with my husband for Uber eats deliveries and sometimes I rather read a book than to use my phone.

Judith Kaye in Louisiana
Aug 12, 2024

It’s much easier to find all the little free libraries in my area and when I travel. I’ve used the app for about two years now and never had any trouble. Love this app! It’s much easier to find all the little free libraries in my area and when I travel. I’ve used the app for about two years now and never had any trouble.

Sarahoooooots
Apr 2, 2024

The app makes hunting for little free libraries so much fun!! Our family has made this a hobby. We can keep track of where we’ve checked in and keep and eye out for new ones that pop up around us. Love my LFL app! The app makes hunting for little free libraries so much fun!! Our family has made this a hobby. We can keep track of where we’ve checked in and keep and eye out for new ones that pop up around us.

AnthonyDauer
Dec 31, 2022

Love this app. I took a free class on app making at our local Apple Store and this is similar to the idea I used for the course. Suggest that Little Pantry locations be added too. The ability to check in and check out books as well as the ability to search for a specific book to see if it’s available in a library. A tie-into Goodreads app. I suggested to the Marine Corps Toys-4-Tots charity to create a similar app. Great App for Finding Little Libraries Love this app. I took a free class on app making at our local Apple Store and this is similar to the idea I used for the course. Suggest that Little Pantry locations be added too. The ability to check in and check out books as well as the ability to search for a specific book to see if it’s available in a library. A tie-into Goodreads app. I suggested to the Marine Corps Toys-4-Tots charity to create a similar app.

App Details

Developer

Little Free Library, Ltd

Platform

ios

Rating

3.5

Last Updated

1/9/2026