Sharing the Power of Little Free Libraries With Katrina Kuhn ’12

I discovered Little Free Libraries shortly after having my first baby in 2016. As a new mom, I tried to go on regular walks to exercise and explore my neighborhood. It was on those walks that I first discovered Little Free Libraries, and I loved the joy of finding a new book—you never know what you’ll come across! In the early days of the pandemic with two young children, going for a walk to check out and stock Little Free Libraries was a good way for us to get out of the house and discover a new read. When my husband Derrick Kuhn ’11 and I moved from Virginia to Maryland in 2021, I was determined to set up my own Little Free Library, and in 2023, I did! Now, with a 9-year-old and 6-year-old, we look for Little Free Libraries everywhere: on walks around town, on vacation, on work trips and more. I joke that “I brake for Little Free Libraries” because I frequently come to a hard stop to explore a new-to-me library on my way to something else.

I’m not handy, so I purchased my library as a kit from the Little Free Library website. However, in exploring Little Free Libraries across the country, I’ve seen so many creative versions—repurposed microwaves and fridges, old newspaper stands and cabinets, or inside the trunk of a tree! The nice thing about maintaining a Little Free Library is that it does not depend on the steward. The surrounding community is encouraged to bring their own books for sharing. However, living in a multi-generation household of readers, we always have something to contribute, whether children’s books, graphic novels, contemporary fiction or non-fiction. Kids’ books tend to have the most turnover, so I try to stock those more frequently. My son also likes to leave Pokémon cards, which are a neighborhood favorite.

Little Free Libraries help build communities by bringing people together and expanding access to books for everyone. Yes, we’re still a public library family and visit almost weekly. Little Free Libraries can serve a slightly different purpose by providing constant availability of books and expanding access in new areas. It’s important to me to offer free books because I have so much to share and give. Rather than keeping books after I’m done, I’d much prefer others be able to read and enjoy them. Ultimately, I think everyone should have access to diverse books that broaden their worldview and introduce them to new perspectives. If maintaining a Little Free Library is a small thing I can do to help make that happen, then it’s worth it. Readers are leaders! 

I majored in communications. When I graduated in 2012, I didn’t know how I was going to use my degree or what I wanted to be when I “grew up.” However, Hood’s liberal arts education and background helped me deepen critical thinking skills, taught me to be adaptable and encouraged a lifelong love of learning. Through discussions with professors and classmates, I learned how stories shape our understanding of the world and connect us to new experiences. Today, as the director of marketing at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, I draw on those same skills. Whether through social media, a creative campaign or other communications, I help share stories of people with cystic fibrosis. By amplifying their voices, I hope to help others understand what it’s like to live with a rare, chronic disease.

Hood also introduced me to many other fellow readers and my closest friends. Nearly 15 years post-graduation, I feel fortunate to still be in touch with so many, and we’re always discussing what we’re reading!

Don’t feel pressured to keep your library fully stocked or overly curated. You never know what different readers will enjoy, so I find it’s best to keep a wide variety of options for all ages and interests. Finally, I don’t recommend keeping it too full. If you do, you limit others in your community from participating and sharing their own books.

Learn how to start your own Little Free Library.