Photo:
Across Greater Seattle, and throughout the region, there are thousands of specialized Little Free options, from bakeries and pantries to art galleries and seed libraries. Photo: iStock
I can’t resist a Little Free Library. Whenever I happen across one, I have to open it. Maybe it’s the anticipation — will I find the cookbook I didn’t know I needed, or a book I’ve been meaning to read? Maybe it’s just plain curiosity. Whatever it is, I find myself drawn to the contents inside.
My kids love these tiny boxes, too. And they’re a wonderful reminder that these small, community-run “Little Free” resources help make neighborhoods stronger, kinder and more connected. Plus, they’re fun.
What you’ll find inside is not limited to books. Across Greater Seattle, and throughout the region, there are thousands of specialized Little Free options, from bakeries and pantries to art galleries and seed libraries. (The Seattle Sidewalk Joy Map is a great place to start.)
Seeking out one of these community-wide collections is a great excuse for kids and families to explore their neighborhood, or you can search for something specific. Let’s take a tour of some of the favorites I’ve found, starting with the original.
Origins of the Little Free Library
Little Free Libraries blazed the trail. The idea began in the Midwest in 2009 as a tribute to a mother and teacher, and it quickly spread. Seattle’s first Little Free Library popped up in Wallingford more than a decade ago, and today there are over 1,100 registered Little Free Libraries in King County alone.
Let’s get started
Use the official Little Free Library app to find one near you. I promise there’s one just around the corner.
But if you’re looking for something different, try the Grievers Free Little Library at Zeitgeist Coffee in Pioneer Square (171 S. Jackson St., Seattle). It’s stocked with books offering comfort, support and healing for when things feel heavy.
Fun fact: The Port of Seattle even operates Little Free Libraries at SEA Airport. Next time you need a copy of “Goodnight Moon” before a flight, you know where to look.
Little Free Bakeries
Moving on from the expected (books) to the unexpected: Let’s talk sweet treats. Finding a Little Free Bakery is pretty much gold and might even be an incentive to get a child out the door. So, where do you find a little slice of heaven? Start with two of my favorites.
I’m happy to say that I scored a delicious chocolate and peanut butter cookie for my efforts at Little Free Bakeries South Magnolia (@littlefreebakerysouthmag), complete with recipes. Try the made-with-love cookies and baked goods for yourself. The bakery is freshly stocked on Sundays at 11 a.m.
Location: 2425 24th Ave. W., in Magnolia
Little Free Bakery Ballard is another worthwhile stop where families can find free baked goods for the taking. Check the IG stories @littlefreebakeryballard for dates and times when the goods will drop.
Location: Ninth Avenue Northwest and Northwest 59th Street, in Ballard
On the Eastside it’s hard to beat Violet’s Cookies and Treats (@eatvioletstreats) in Bellevue. Owner Shelly posts on her Instagram whenever her fresh treats are ready for sampling. Set your notifications and swing by.
Location: Southeast 29th Street and 162nd Avenue, in Bellevue
Little Free Pantries
Little Free Pantries operate on the same honor-system model but focus on food and basic essentials. You know the drill and you’ve probably seen pantries stocked with nonperishable items such as pasta, canned goods and peanut butter. Some even include personal hygiene items such as toilet paper, soap, period products and diapers. And while I found a few of these always-open pantries, the loss of SNAP benefits at the end of last year has taken a toll and many are empty.
Could your kids help stock a pantry? This simple project is an easy way to instill empathy for others and help with food scarcity in our community. While many food banks have age limits for volunteers, kids of any age can restock a Little Free Pantries in their neighborhood. Check your neighborhood for a pantry that could use some staples, or bring goods to two of my favorites:
Location: 7815 Dayton Ave. N., in Greenlake
Location: 30th Avenue Southwest, just south of Southwest Holden Street, in West Seattle
Little Free Art Galleries
The first ever Little Free Art Gallery appeared in 2020 in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Believing art is for everyone, artist Stacy Milrany places a tiny artwork in her mini exhibit space and invites others to give or take art, while leaving her piece for all to enjoy.
Location: First Avenue North between Garfield and Galer streets in the Queen Anne neighborhood
Little Free Art Galleries invite young artists to share their creativity with the community. Do you have a child who might be inspired by a visit? Leave a piece of art and see what happens. You can even post about it on social media to celebrate your child’s first “exhibition”— we all have to start somewhere.
It’s also a great screen-free activity to add to your list, especially in the summer. Whether you’re making art or discovering it in your neighborhood, Little Free Art Galleries are a win. Take a peek inside, leave a piece or both.
Find more of my favorite free art in Seattle’s Madrona and Fremont neighborhoods.
Location: 33rd Avenue and East Union Street, Madrona
Location: At the top of the Fremont Avenue North and North 44th Street hill where you’ll find very appropriate artwork for this creative part of the city.
Little Free Poetry Libraries
For more art of a literary style, try visiting a Little Free Poetry Library. Poetry is an essential outlet for emotions and self-expression. I found this apropos quote by Alice Osborn, “Poetry is like the Windex on a grubby car window — it bares open the vulnerabilities of human beings so we can all relate to each other a little better.”
Is poetry new for your child? That’s okay. Introduce them to a haiku at one or more of these boxes where someone’s favorite poem is posted. I challenge you to keep tabs on a box for new poem posts — for the love of this art. I found “As You Were” in the Central District box.
Location: 20th Avenue East, south of East Union Street, in the Central District
Location: Little Plum Poetry on 32nd Avenue West, north of West Barrett Street in the Queen Anne neighborhood
Location: Bryant Poetry Box at 30th Avenue Northwest, north of 60th Street in Bryant
Location: Madison Park Poetry at 41st Avenue East, north of Highland Drive in Madison Park
Little Free Seed Libraries and Little Free Greenhouses
Seed libraries allow your little gardener to take or exchange packets of seeds for flowers, herbs and vegetables. These libraries often focus on local or heirloom varieties. Some also go beyond seeds and include plant starts and greenery. This is a seasonal Little Free option, but definitely a low-cost way to start family gardens. Growing food together can be an empowering and fun outdoor activity and responsibility for children. Here are a few of my favorite spots to pair well with spring or summertime.
Location: High Point Library, 3411 S.W. Raymond St., in West Seattle
Another intriguing library allows neighbors to exchange plant clippings and starts. Do you have a P-Patch? Have kids pick out some plants to fill out your plot. This is a seasonal library, so don’t bother stopping by until May or June.
Location: Seattle Plant Library on 18th Avenue East, south of East Highland Street, in the Capitol Hill neighborhood
Also, try visiting the Little Free Greenhouse at East Alder and 35th Avenue East, in Leschi. My visit there also came up empty but I should not expect spring growth before spring blooms. See if spring has sprung come April. Below are a few more to mark on your map for springtime.
Location: Plant Share Stand at 45th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 40th Street, in Bryant
Location: Little Free Seeds and Starts Library at 42nd Avenue South and South Dawson Street, in Seattle’s Columbia City
Little Free Pet Pantries
For families with pets, Little Free Pet Pantries — sometimes called Puppy Pit Stops — offer donated pet food, treats, toys and supplies. Pet pantries can be fun for dogs and for the family — both to find and maintain. Beyond the dog treat, try the Queen Mary Dog Library for something money can’t buy — the perfect dog stick!
Location: 2809 N.E. 55th St., in Bryant
Sometimes, pet pantries are combined with book libraries so there is something for furry family members, too. There is a Free Little Library in North Beach’s Olympic Manor that is a combined venture for both people and dogs. Check out these other human and pet locations, or start your own! Free Little Pet Libraries for cats can be a thing, too.
Location: 23rd Avenue Northwest and Northwest 87th Street, in North Beach Seattle
Location: Bone Appetit Pet Pantry, South Morgan Street, east of 39th Avenue South, in South Seattle
Little Free Puzzle Libraries
Do you put together the same puzzle more than once? Not usually in my house. We’re a one-and-done family. If your house is like mine, trade your finished puzzle in for a new one at a Little Free Puzzle Library. Puzzles come in a variety of options, and I found ones suitable for kids and adults and options for families to do together. In good times and hard times.
I was touched by a sticky note I found inside a puzzle library in West Seattle, thanking the Little Free Puzzle Library for helping their family process grief, one free little puzzle piece at a time. You never know how an act of kindness can help — even just offering something like a free puzzle creates more wholeness — and that was a beautiful discovery.
Location: Delridge Puzzle Library, at 17th Avenue Southwest and Southwest Brandon Street, West Seattle
Location: 7342 30th Ave. S.W., West Seattle
Little Free Rock Libraries
What kid doesn’t love picking up rocks? Always, right? A compilation of rocks or shells or other earthy items can be the subject of a Free Little Library to inspire little collectors.
I’m glad I stopped to see this clearly loved Free Little Rock Library in North Seattle. This may be the only one of its kind, but it warmed my heart that someone had carefully designed, arranged and curated a box of rocks, polished and rough alike. I picked up a pretty green rock because my daughter’s name is Jade. I felt seen.
Location: 4035 N.E. 92nd St., in the Lake City/Matthews Beach neighborhood
More creative Little Frees to find
The Little Free concept keeps evolving to meet community needs, and expanding your search reveals some fun surprises around Greater Seattle. Continue searching for even more Little Free resources:
- Little Free Sports Equipment Libraries let families pass along outgrown or unused gear like cleats, gloves, frisbees and basketballs. They’re especially helpful for families cycling through new sports each year. I spotted one at 12th Avenue Southwest and Southwest Myrtle Street, though it was empty, spring sports season is the perfect time to refill it. Anyone ready for a garage clean-out?
- Little Free Toy Exchanges are ideal for swapping gently used toys and reclaiming closet space. Those extra stuffies or trucks might be another child’s treasure. Visit the Abracadabra Toy Libraries at the Northeast Seattle Tool Library, located at 10228 Fischer Pl. N.E., in Lake City or the Shoreline Tool Library located at 16610 Aurora Ave N., in Shoreline.
- Little Free Craft Libraries offer patterns and supplies for knitting, crocheting and all kinds of creative projects. Leftover ribbon, beads, fabric scraps or crayons may be exactly what someone else needs. Art teachers: Keep an eye out or start one of your own! Try the Tea Cozy Craft Library at 5816 24th Ave. N.W., in Ballard or Seattle ReCreative at 8408 Greenwood Ave. N., in Greenwood.
- The Little Free Bead Library at West 67th Street and 25th Avenue Northwest, is perfect for jumpstarting friendship-bracelet making. Also worth a visit: yəhaw̓ Indigenous Creatives Collective at 9674 51st Ave. S., in Rainier Beach, filled with supplies, premade items and opportunities to learn about Indigenous artists.
- For listeners of all ages, the Little Free Audio Library shares podcast recommendations via QR codes at 3733 34th Ave. S.W., in West Seattle. Music lovers can also check out the Good Place Pacific Vinyl Library near Earl Avenue Northwest, south of Northwest 83rd Street in Ballard — perfect for sharing records and discovering new sounds.
- The free Phinney Blockbuster at Phinney Avenue North and North 72nd is filled with all genres of movies, including lots of kid faves (when I went and took a peek I saw “Cars,” “Captain America” and Bob the Builder’s “Hold Onto Your Hat!” just to name a few). Grab as many movies as you’d like, return them when you’re done. No need to worry about late fees. Follow @phinneyblockbuster on Instagram for updates.
How to start a Little Free resource of your own
Starting a Little Free resource doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Many Little Free resources thrive when several families share responsibility.
1. Choose a focus. Decide what would be most helpful in your area: books, food, pet supplies, art, seeds or toys. Or maybe something no one has done yet!
2. Pick a spot. The most common spot is in your front yard or fence line. Have the kids pick a place near the sidewalk or fence line with good visibility — and that you approve of, naturally.
Check with the powers that be first, but you can also consider putting one at your school, church or community building for even greater accessibility.
3. Build or find a box. Repurpose a weatherproof cabinet or wooden box to make your Free Little corner of the world. If you want something new, try asking a local builder or scout group to build one for you. And of course, Home Depot or Lowe’s will have a premade box if your budget allows. Make sure it’s sturdy, clearly labeled and easy to open.
Maybe paint it in the colors of your favorite team or add a custom design or a mini sign that notes: “Take what you need. Leave what you can.”
4. Stock it. Start small. Collect what you can from your house, Goodwill or neighborhood donations. Kids may want to shop for the pantries and pet boxes, so focus on nonperishable, unopened items. No matter what the box, don’t be too picky about what’s in there as we want to celebrate our children’s contributions and creations.
5. Maintain and share. Check in regularly to clean and restock. This can be tricky for kids to remember, but having a “job” like this can be as simple as a weekly peep in the box. You can always invite friends to contribute and make it a cul-de-sac or neighborhood project on your street. It can be a meaningful learning experience for children to see firsthand how small actions can help others. Restocking builds responsibility and community awareness and teaches empathy.
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s accessibility, fun and discovery.
More free fun around Seattle: |
