Penguin Random House Partners With Little Free Library to Celebrate 200,000th Library Launch Milestone
Penguin Random House is collaborating with longtime partner Little Free Library® (LFL), the global nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding book access and building community, to celebrate the installation of their 200,000th Little Free Library book-sharing box. To mark this milestone, LFL is granting 200 Little Free Libraries to Title I elementary schools across the country. PRH is proud to support this worthy initiative to promote literacy and expand book access by donating 200 engaging and diverse children’s books for each of the 200 libraries—a total of 40,000 books.
The 200,000th Little Free Library box will be unveiled in March at a location to be announced in early 2025. A ticketed celebration event will be hosted by LFL the evening of March 20 at the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul. The event will feature a special appearance by author Kate DiCamillo, and attendees will include local dignitaries, community leaders, and book lovers, all celebrating the power of books to bring people together.
In recognition of the 200k milestone, LFL invites representatives from Title I elementary schools in the U.S. to apply to receive one of 200 Little Free Library book-sharing boxes. (A school is considered Title I if at least 40% of its students qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch.) The application at lflib.org/lfl-200 opened on January 7 and closes on January 31:
“Now more than ever, Penguin Random House is focused on expanding access to books that help readers understand themselves and the world around them. Little Free Library is an essential partner in this effort,” said Claire von Schilling, EVP and Director of Corporate Communications and Social Responsibility, Penguin Random House. “Their network—which reaches communities across the country and around the world—is unparalleled and helps us get more books into the hands of readers everywhere. We are honored to celebrate this meaningful milestone with them!”
Since the first Little Free Library box was built in 2009, Little Free Libraries have grown into a worldwide phenomenon, with libraries now spanning across all 50 U.S. states, 128 countries, and 7 continents. Through this network of libraries, cared for by individual stewards and organizations alike, millions of books have circulated freely, allowing people of all ages and backgrounds to take a book, share a book, and pass on the joy of reading to others.
For more information about the upcoming launch and how to get involved, visit littlefreelibrary.org/200k.