Little Free Libraries at NYCHA Developments

NYCHA residents at select developments can now share their love of reading with their neighbors through little free libraries installed onsite that provide residents with 24/7 access to free books and promote reading through the sharing of books – anyone can take or share a book.

Known as “little free libraries,” the books are displayed in small, uniquely designed bookcases, and placed at the developments in locations easily accessible by the community.

These libraries have been installed in the Bronx at Edenwald, Mott Haven, Parkside, Sack Wern, and Throggs Neck Houses; in Brooklyn at Howard, Marcy, and Marlboro Houses; and in Queens at Astoria, Ravenswood, Queensbridge North and South, and Woodside Houses. The newest libraries were recently installed at Claremont Houses in the Bronx.

The little free libraries are provided by The Rolling Library, a mobile book fair organization that provides free books, book fairs, community events, little free libraries, and more throughout New York City. The books in the libraries have been sourced through community donations, publishers, authors, bookstores, and the program’s own collections. The initiative expands access to books and brings diverse, high-quality, multicultural books to NYCHA communities.

“When we initially install the libraries, we fill them up with books written by Black and Latinx authors and books about abolition and Black liberation,” said co-Rolling Library founder Pilot Viruet.

Viruet and co-founder Liah Paterson were interested in expanding the organization’s libraries throughout NYCHA communities. In coordination with NYCHA’s Family Partnerships Department, resident association presidents, and property management offices, developments in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens were chosen to have libraries installed. The libraries and their inventory are monitored by liaisons identified by resident association presidents, onsite providers, and NYCHA property management offices.

If you are a NYCHA resident interested in a little free library at your development, contact therollinglibrary@gmail.com. To learn more about The Rolling Library, visit therollinglibrary.com.