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Private Lending Libraries

These private lending libraries are run by passionate women who love books and want to share their book collections with others in their community. These libraries often carry books that are not found in public libraries. Some libraries will have a fee to join or other requirements for lending. We encourage you to find out if you have a private lending library in your area!


Do you have a private lending library? Add your library

Interested in starting a lending library? The Card Catalog at Plumfield and Paideia is a wonderful resource. Learn more

United States Australia Canada New Zealand

Alabama

The Book Barn Library
Grand Bay, AL
United States

Contact: Karen Laughlin, bookbarnlibrary@gmail.com

Now open! Currently a book room, but dreaming of a book barn. $10/month or $100/year. Calendar on our website shows open hours. Membership also includes 30 acres to roam for nature study.


Alaska

Bliss of Books
Wasilla, AK
United States

Contact: Echo, institchesak@gmail.com

In progress, most picture books and some chapter books are viewable on LibraryThing. Contact for details at the moment.


Arkansas

The Blessed Library
Greenbrier, AR
United States

Contact: , blessed.library@protonmail.com

Our annual membership fee is currently $20. We have over 5,600 books, and I'm always adding more. Currently open every Friday from 1:00PM-3:00PM, and we have storytime monthly. We're also available for appointments.


California

Neighborhood Children's Library
Berkeley, CA
United States

Contact: Kathie Johnson, kathie4johnson@gmail.com
Kathie Johnson's Story

Free children's library, with over 36,000 books. Age range from infant to teen-age, with books on every subject. Many books no longer available at public libraries. Currently I am open Thursdays 3 - 5:30, but most people make their own individual appointments through email.


Golden Lion Library
Grass Valley, CA
United States

Contact: LuAnn Hague, Luannhague@hotmail.com

By appointment only at this time. $20 one time fee. Approx 10,000 books plus DVD. Variety of books for all ages including many that are unavailable in the public library system.


A Little Living Library
Sylmar, CA
United States

Contact: Jenn Little, jennllittle@outlook.com

I am hoping to open late 2024!


Colorado

The Story Keep
Centennial, CO
United States

Contact: Beth Hollmann, Thestorykeep@gmail.com

Currently working with people on an individual basis. I’m not officially open; I ask a one-time $25 deposit and a signed agreement when borrowing books.


The Treasure House
Evergreen, CO
United States

Contact: Kelli

Working with families on an individual basis. Please contact me for more information.


Connecticut

Kingdom Living Library
Guilford, CT
United States

Contact: Amanda Kunzeman

Opening Fall 2023


Florida

Legacy Lending Library
Alachua , FL
United States

Contact: Marijo Taverne, marijotaverne@gmail.com


River City Library
Jacksonville, FL
United States

Contact: Heather Johnson, RiverCityEducationResources@gmail.com

Flexible hours Yearly fee


A Humble Place home lending library
Okeechobee, FL
United States

Contact: Stacie Bean, smbean3@gmail.com

The library is open on Tuesdays from 10-4, as well as once every three weeks on Thursday from 4-7. Fee is $10/month and must have a signed contract on file, renewed annually. Please contact me with questions or for further details, such as address. I love to help people find the books they’re looking for to guide or enhance their studies or simply for their free reading. I have an always growing collection of living books for all ages.


The Library at First Baptist Church of Pensacola
Pensacola, FL
United States

Contact: Amanda Cameron, library@fbcp.org

The mission of the library is to be a resource, providing information, materials, and services to support the ministries of the church and community outreach. For 95 years First Baptist Church has supported life enrichment and spiritual growth through a carefully selected collection based on Christian resources. With approximately 14,000 books, we have something for every age! Library Hours: Sunday 8:00 AM - 9:20 AM Tuesday 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon Wednesday 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon 4:00 PM - 5:45 PM Thursday 9:00 Am - 12:00 Noon


Living Learning Libraries
West Palm Beach (Palm Beach Gardens), FL
United States

Contact: Michelle Howard, LivingLearningLibraries@gmail.com
Michelle Howard's Story

Over 41,000 wholesome, rare, engaging, meaningful, worthy living books at your fingertips in our 501c3/non-profit youth library, plus support for popular learning tools, such as Five-in-a-Row, CC, Charlotte Mason, Veritas, etc. All fostered by a volunteer team committed to your family's success, enrichment, and inspiration! Several membership levels, all tax-deductible. Open weekly: Mondays (2-6), Tuesdays (11-3) & Thursdays (2-6), except on holidays/spring break/fall break.


Georgia

Knight's Harbor
Blairsville, GA
United States

Contact: Jodi Garrett

Coming spring of 2024!


Hall's Living Library
Dallas, GA
United States

Contact: Sandy Hall, sandrahall311@yahoo.com
Sandy Hall's Story

Almost 20,000 treasured children's books! 50 years of collecting. Yearly family membership fee $150. It's not just about the books; it's about the friendships and relationships built. Membership also includes a free curriculum consultation and test results consultation, if desired. Please contact me for a tour to see if the library is a good fit for your family!


Cornerstone Living Library
Lilburn, GA
United States

Contact: Ashley Borrego, library@cbclilburn.org

Celebrating beautiful books through our living library as well as building community with storytimes and other events. Check the calendar at our website for our hours. Annual membership $25 per family; no membership needed to attend events. A ministry of Cornerstone Bible Church.


Idaho

Viola Lending Library
Viola, ID
United States

Contact: Laura Baxter, laura.fleming.baxter@gmail.com

Currently open by appointment


Illinois

Swallowdale Library
Carbondale, IL
United States

Contact: Erica, Haroldnerica@gmail.com

I’m busy building a living library in Southern Illinois. My library has a Band page that I can invite you to join if you want to reach out! Library hours and rules and updates are all posted there.


Iowa

Glann End Library
Swan, IA
United States

Contact: Abby Glann, theglannfamily@gmail.com

We are a homesteading, homeschooling family who loves good literature. Open by appointment only. We're still in the process of cataloging several thousand books, but want to offer what we have while we're working towards being "officially" open. A deposit to cover possible book damage/loss is required per family.


Kansas

Tending Embers Lending Library
Shawnee, KS
United States

Contact: Vicki, TendingEmbersLL@gmail.com

Our family's ever-expanding, one-day lending, home library.


Kentucky

Windy Hill Library
Leitchfield, KY
United States

Contact: Laura Witten, windyhilllibrary@gmail.com

We do not currently charge a fee or hold regular hours, but please contact me if interested in setting up a time to visit or meet. The library is still small, under 2000 books, but I do plan to add more and get the catalog back online by 2025.


Maryland

Maryland Living Books Library
Mount Airy, MD
United States

Contact: Kristi Stansfield, tarpfarmer@gmail.com

Currently lending by appointment only.


Massachusetts

The Steinmann Library
Springfield, MA
United States

Contact: Kyndra Ferguson Steinmann, kfsteinmann@gmail.com

$40/ family per year - Open by appointment or when homeschool events are going on in my home.


On the Vine
Wenham, MA
United States

Contact: Alysha Hansen, Alysha@hansenmusicstudios.com


Michigan

Dawn Treader Living Books Library
Grand Rapids, MI
United States

Contact: Harmony Harkema, support@dawntreaderlivinglibrary.org


The Sheila Jean Living Books Library
Petoskey, MI
United States

Contact: Kathy Brower, Kathy.livingbookslibrary@gmail.com

We have a collection of 10,000+ books for toddler to teen. Our library is open Monday 4-7 pm and Thursday 3-6 pm in the upstairs space at 103 E. Sheridan St. We offer two options for membership. Basic Membership (per family) $170/yr. with regular lending or $220/yr for Premium which includes regular lending plus any books valuing over $40, these include our rarest books. Books have a 28 day check-out time.


Children's Preservation Library
Traverse City, MI
United States

Contact: Michelle Howard, CPL@speedconnect.com
Michelle Howard's Story

Over 21,000 wholesome, rare, engaging, meaningful, worthy living books at your fingertips, plus support for popular learning tools. All fostered by a volunteer team committed to your family's success, enrichment, and inspiration! Several membership levels available. Schoolyear hours (Labor Day to Memorial Day) Mondays & Thursdays (1-5). Summer hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day) Wednesdays, 10-1. Come feast!


Minnesota

Shannon Tobias Memorial Christian Lending Library
Farmington, MN
United States

Contact: Jolene Ceravalo, shannontobiaslibrary@gmail.com

We currently have over 2300 titles available from a variety of genres, including a growing collection of living books. To visit our library, make an appointment. Beginning in August, we will be offering a one year membership with benefits for $12/year. Find details at our website.


Loft & Field
North Branch, MN
United States

Contact: Stephanie Lewis, info@loftandfield.com

Loft & Field is a Charlotte Mason educational farm in North Branch, MN. We feature local classes, nature adventures, and parent support groups. We also maintain a beautiful curated living books library. We believe that education should be beautiful and we invite you to marvel in wonder with us!


Missouri

Naglak Family Biblioteca
Maryland Heights, MO
United States

Contact: Carrie Naglak, carrienaglak@yahoo.com

Opening Fall or Winter of 2023/2024!


Nebraska

Mama Bear Lending Den
Omaha, NE
United States

Contact: Tiffany Carter

We are not open yet but excited to serve our community soon!


New Mexico

Christian Home Education Resource Center
Albuquerque, NM
United States

Contact: Kara, info@ercabq.org

The Christian Home Education Resource Center is a free homeschool lending library. We are open Fridays from 10am - 4pm August - May.


New York

Branching Out Library
Millport, NY
United States

Contact: Cindy McCarthy, Cindylmccarthy@gmail.com

Opening fall of '23 Lord willing. Fee TBD


VonEiff Family Library
Sayville, NY
United States

Contact: Jennifer VonEiff, jjvoneiff@yahoo.com

We are by appointment only right now.


North Carolina

The Little Bookroom
Charlotte (Mint Hill), NC
United States

Contact: Bonnie Buckingham, kbuckingham@carolina.rr.com

By Appointment/ Yearly fee is 60.00


Lynn Custer’s Library
Fuquay Varina, NC
United States

Contact: Lynn Custer, lynisms@gmail.com


Matthews Christian Library
Matthews, NC
United States

Contact: Tiffany Slack, library@coskidsmatthews.org

We are open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Yearly Membership (per family) is $35/year for the Basic Membership (10 items at a time) or $70 /year for the Premium Membership (40 items at a time). We have many hard-to-find older titles and series, as well as new purchases requested by patrons. See website for more information.


Written Treasures
Triangle area, NC
United States

Contact: Emy Damian

In the works to start lending curated boxes of written treasures to subscribers by fall 2023. Pilot program in progress! Follow our journey on Facebook or Instagram.


Plumfield Children's Library
Youngsville, NC
United States

Contact: Season Bos, plumfieldbookstore@gmail.com

Plumfield Children's Library, a subset of Plumfield Children's Bookstore, is a private lending library located in Youngsville, North Carolina. We are open as of August 2023 for porch pickup. Our library carries the same type of wholesome children's literature that can be found in our online bookstore. We offer books for ages 0-Teen, as well as Homeschool and Parenting resources. Plumfield Children's Library cards are available for $25/year to anyone within driving distance of Youngsville, NC. We look forward to your visit!


North Dakota

North Prairie Living Books
Hamilton, ND
United States

Contact: Aubrey Midkiff, northprairielivingbooks@gmail.com

Still organizing but available by appointment.


Ohio

Hidden Treasures Library
near Marion, OH
United States

Contact: Michelle Fournier, ed-mich@hotmail.com

We are a newly opened Living Books Homeschool Lending Library delighting in sharing our favorite books and stories with others! +6500 books. We are located just outside Marion, OH about 45 minutes north of Columbus. Currently open by appointment so please do contact me if you are interested! We have regular hours Thursday afternoons during most of the school year. No fees.


Lambs Into Lions Library
Springdale, OH
United States

Contact: Steven & Aurora Schreck, lambsintolionslibrary@gmail.com

Our current collection is just under 1000 books, many of them assigned tomes from Aurora and Steven’s respective years studying at The Athenaeum of Ohio.


Families United Lending Library
Summit County , OH
United States

Contact: Families United Lending Library , familiesunitedll@gmail.com

Anticipated opening April 2024. Anticipated monthly membership fee $10 per month. Email with questions and for directions. Soft open available with personal recommendation from a friend.


Oklahoma

His Word Christian Library
Chickasha, OK
United States

Contact: Amanda Smith, hiswordchristianlibrary@gmail.com
Amanda Smith's Story

We are open Tuesday 4-8 and Saturday 10-2. The membership fee is $10 a month.


Pursell Schubert Legacy Library
Oklahoma City, OK
United States

Contact: Mary Schubert, 2012PSLL@gmail.com

$120 Annual Membership Fee. Open by appointment only.


Schola Living Books
Stillwater, OK
United States

Contact: Heather Hawkins, scholalivingbooks@gmail.com


Cottage Acres Lending Library
Tulsa, OK
United States

Contact: Mollie Kunkee, cottageacreslendinglibrary@gmail.com

Coming Soon!


Oregon

Carr Living Library
Redmond, OR
United States

Contact: Laura Carr, lcarr333@live.com

We are a small, private, home lending library with over 2020 titles available from a variety of genres, including a growing collection of living books. Yearly membership costs are $80/year from Sept 1 - Aug 31, or prorated. Members need to sign a membership agreement before checking books out. We are also starting to collect math manipulatives to support homeschoolers. We would be thrilled to hear from you!


Pennsylvania

Green Pastures Living Library
Collegeville, PA
United States

Contact: Emera Kim, kim.emera@gmail.com

Currently by-appointment-only.


The Little Village Lending Library
Kennett Square, PA
United States

Contact: Leslie Streitwieser, littlevillagelendinglibrary@gmail.com


Living Books Rescue
Pittsburgh, PA
United States

Contact: Tracy Born, trborn1@gmail.com


Little Library in the Big Woods
Sellersville, PA
United States

Contact: Erin Ensinger, littlelibrarybw@gmail.com

Library visits by appointment only.


Tennessee

Living Books Library
Bristol, TN
United States

Contact: Emily Kiser, info@livingbookslibrary.com

We serve patrons in the Tri-Cities, TN, Bristol, VA and greater Washington County, VA through an annual membership to use our 20,000 volume collection. Check out periods are for 1 month with no renewals, and current library hours can be found on our site.


CozyCorner Books
Clarksville, TN
United States

Contact: Toni Thomas, tonileethomas72@gmail.com

Our library is open 24 hours a day. Please feel free to grab a book or two ir three!


Lionheart Living Library
Johnson City, TN
United States

Contact: Alison Dykes, jtd1066@yahoo.com

Planning to open August 1, 2024! We have 22,000+ books, including Five-in-a-Row Go-Along Totes. All of our titles are on-line and we will offer a pick-up service in addition to weekly library hours. Evening and Saturday hours will also be available. More information to follow!


Rescued & Renewed Living Library
Jonesborough, TN
United States

Contact: Angela Briscoe, Marvandang@mac.com

Operating since 2014, we have around 20 families who participate yearly by appointment only. Two choices in membership levels allow patrons to choose how much they check out. All patrons are included in annual meetings, fellowships, and activities. We do not advertise nor have a website except for these type listings. Most members join because they’ve heard from a friend about the opportunity. We have grown slowly over these years and have sweet relationships with our patrons. The normal new patron acceptance has been around 3-5 new members per year depending on the turn over or how much time I have for individual appointments.


Hughes Living Library
Murfreesboro/Rockvale, TN
United States

Contact: Katie Hughes, hugheslivinglibrary@gmail.com

We love to support local families in their efforts to provide for their children books full of truth, beauty, and goodness. There is an annual fee for membership, which runs August 1 - July 31, as well as a limited number of families admitted for membership each year. Our home is open for library hours twice monthly and by appointment for families who need it. We are currently working to get our catalog uploaded for patrons to browse online and plan to offer that as part of membership in the upcoming year beginning August 1. Fostering community is a very important part of what we do here, and it's beautiful to see parents and children making connections!


Children’s Legacy Library
Rogersville , TN
United States

Contact: Robin Pack, childrenslegacylibrary@gmail.com
Robin Pack's Story

The vision of Children’s Legacy Library is to enable families to give their children the gift of living ideas through living books. We currently have over 18,000 volumes in all subjects to make learning come alive. We also feature Five in a Row totes each containing a main title as well as go-along books. Annual membership fee is $75. Hours are typically the Monday, Thursday, and Friday of the first full week of the month and Tuesday the following week by appointment.


Ensor's Books
Shelbyville, TN
United States

Contact: Julie Ensor

Ensor's Books is a private lending library for homeschool families in middle TN. We have a collection of over 7,000 titles and offer 3 different membership levels. See website for more information and details on membership options.


Green Door Children's Heritage Library
Soddy Daisy, TN
United States

Contact: Jeannette Tulis, jmtulis@gmail.com
Jeannette Tulis's Story

No fee, open by appointment only. Located just north of Chattanooga, TN. Mostly out of print children’s living books, also a good selection of Charlotte Mason resources.


Texas

Lending Library
Canton, TX
United States

Contact: Emily M, emberjoy@icloud.com

Beta testing begins winter 2024. More information coming soon; email with questions!


The LLF Library
Dallas, TX
United States

Contact: Elizabeth Cunningham, Cunningham.Maryelizabeth@gmail.com
Elizabeth Cunningham's Story

Open Thursdays 2-6pm and by appointment Membership $50/year.


First Baptist Library
Decatur, TX
United States

Contact: Karen Mars, libraryfbd@gmail.com

Hours: Sunday 9:00 - 10:15 Monday 10:00 - 2:00 Tuesday 10:00 - 2:00 Wednesday 10:00 - 2:00 We are open to the public and welcome home school families. There is no fee to join. Follow us on FB: www.facebook.com/TheLibraryatFBD


Meriadoc Homeschool Library
Houston, TX
United States

Contact: Sherry Early, sherry.pray4you@gmail.com
Sherry Early's Story

Meriadoc Homeschool Library is located in SE Houston (Clear Lake City). We have more than 10,000 living books for you to borrow from, and the yearly membership fee is only $60.00. Email librarian Sherry Early for more information or to arrange a tour.


The Bookkeeper Books
Tyler, TX
United States

Contact: Vicki Walker, thebookkeepers2020@sbcglobal.net

Not lending yet; hopefully 2024.


First Baptist Church Library
Wichita Falls, TX
United States

Contact: Nancy Uriniak, nancy@fbcwf.org


Utah

Orchard House Lending Library
Ivins, UT
United States

Contact: Laurie Murray, Orchardhouselibrary@gmail.com

By appointment


Virginia

Ourthotful Spot Library
Earlysville, VA
United States

Contact: Wendy King, ourthotfulspot@yahoo.com

I have over 25,000 books on just about any topic imaginable and FIAR totes. I am open by appointment only. I love books and reading, and have been collecting books for 20+ years (love of older books), and the books overflow off the shelves.


Holly Corner Library
Fredericksburg, VA
United States

Contact: Amy Fluharty, hollycornerlibrary@gmail.com

Please email for more information on fees and availability.


Washington

Newton Family Library
Clinton, WA
United States

Contact: Lorinda Newton, lorinda@clan-newton.com

The Newton Family Library specializes in Christian and homeschool resources. We are located on beautiful Whidbey Island, about an hour's drive north of Seattle, Washington, USA. To borrow from our private library, you will need to contact us through the "Ask About" button on a resource's catalog page and state how you would like to pick up or have the book delivered within local driving distance.


The Kearney Library
Kettle Falls, WA
United States

Contact: M'Lynn Kearney, emkearney89@yahoo.com

I have a membership library of 12,000 - 14,000 books, of which the majority are living books from the 1940s-1970. I lend to members by appointment at this point.


Two Acre Books
Spokane, WA
United States

Contact: Amanda Downing, hello@twoacrebooks.com


Literary Legacy Library
Tacoma, WA
United States

Contact: Katie Levans, katie.levans44@gmail.com

Open by appointment only.


West Virginia

Helen Living Library
Helen, WV
United States

Contact: Amanda


Covenant Family Library
Martinsburg, WV
United States

Contact: Elizabeth Jones, biblioholic1228@yahoo.com
Elizabeth Jones's Story

Open Fridays, 10-12 mornings and 2-5 afternoons. $60 basic annual membership, $60 Five in a Row annual membership, $100 combined annual membership.


Wisconsin

Plumfield Living Books Library
Denmark, WI
United States

Contact: Sara Masarik, plumfieldlivinglibrary@gmail.com
Sara Masarik's Story

Welcome to Plumfield Living Books Library in Denmark, Wisconsin! We have over 30 families with more than 100 children. This beautiful community includes a catalog of about 7,000 books, monthly book clubs, and other regular community events. We are proud partners with Biblioguides. All of our library patrons have a Biblioguides membership included in their annual fee.


Living Education Library
Edgerton, WI
United States

Contact: Kathleen Seeger, livingeducationlibrary@gmail.com

Open the first Wednesday of every month for check out. Membership is $120 per year.


Wyoming

Split Rocks Lending Library
Sheridan, WY
United States

Contact: Diane Pendergraft, dianependergraft@hotmail.com

Open first Saturday of each month and Wednesdays and Fridays by appointment. He split rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep. He made streams come out of the rock and caused waters to flow down like rivers. Psalm 78:15-16



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