The Little Free Library (LFL) nonprofit organization is thrilled to announce the launch of its Indigenous Library Program, which grants Little Free Library boxes and books where needed most in Indigenous communities and on tribal lands in the U.S and Canada. Working with Indigenous community leaders, LFL provides book-sharing boxes to locations where book access is key to improving literacy. 

“Together we can create much-needed book access in Indigenous communities,” said Talia Miracle of Little Free Library. 

The initiative is led by LFL Program Manager Talia Miracle (Ho-Chunk tribe of Winnebago) and supported by an advisory group that includes Valarie Janis of the Lakota College Woksape Tipi Library (Bay Mills Anishinaabe), LFL board member Margaret Wood (Navajo and Oklahoma Seminole), and others who belong to or serve Indigenous communities. 

“Little Free Library book-sharing boxes on Indigenous land in the U.S. and Canada can be significant to enhancing the education of Indigenous students and residents,” said Wood. “Indigenous reserves and reservations are huge ‘book deserts’…. Having access to books year ’round will be a game changer for residents of Indigenous lands.” 

The Little Free Libraries and books are granted through an application process, with priority given to those with long-term ties to Indigenous communities. Although LFL has granted libraries to Indigenous communities in the past, today’s launch initiates an expanded commitment to making Little Free Libraries available in high-need locations serving Indigenous people. 

“We are aiding in literacy efforts within our communities one book at a time,” said Janis, who stewards 11 Little Free Library boxes throughout the Pine Ridge Reservation.