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 or Update your listing
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
Fort Lake Acres Lending Library
Grand Bay, AL
United States
Contact: Karen Laughlin, bookbarnlibrary@gmail.com
(formerly The Book Barn Library) $10/month or $100/year per family. Open Fridays 2-5.
Beautiful Books Library
Prattville, AL
United States
Contact: Chuk Shirley, chukshirley@gmail.com
Currently in a pilot program (no fee) but planning to open membership to the public soon.
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
Convivial Culture Living Books Library
El Dorado, AR
United States
Contact: Angela Bergeron, byangelab@gmail.com
I'm not officially open yet, but please contact me with any questions and if interested in becoming a library patron.
The Blessed Library
Greenbrier, AR
United States
Contact: , blessed.library@protonmail.com
Our annual membership fees are currently $30-40. We have 6,000 books, and I'm always adding more. Currently open every Friday from 1:00PM-3:00PM, and we have regular activites. 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 will be opening in August of 2024! Please contact me if you'd like more information!
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.
Saint Bridget's Books
Denver, CO
United States
Contact: Jessica McMaken, j.mcmaken@gmail.com
Saint Bridget's Books is a homeschool curriculum and children's picture book lending library serving the Denver metro area.
The Treasure House
Evergreen, CO
United States
Contact: Kelli, books@evergreenspiritliving.com
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
Stacie Bean's Story
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
Ravenwood Lending Library
Bethlehem, GA
United States
Contact: Kathryne Childs Wilkerson, kathrynechilds@gmail.com
Coming soon 2025
Hall's Living Library
Douglasville, 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.
Cornerstone Living Library
Lilburn, GA
United States
Contact: Ashley Borrego, library@cbclilburn.org
Ashley Borrego's Story
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.
The Blue Door Library
Ringgold, GA
United States
Contact: Alex Taylor, thebluedoorlibrary@gmail.com
Website and database in progress! Follow along on our Instagram @thebluedoorlibrary
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.
Indiana
Redeemer Library
Fort Wayne, IN
United States
Contact: Nicole Schulert, librarian@fortwayneclassical.com
The Redeemer Library of over 7,500 classic books is open to all with a $6 monthly membership, or a $60 annual membership. Your membership helps our library grow and stay in good condition. We also find, update, and maintain worthy books that have gone out of print. This helps elevate the reading material available to local families and keeps good books from disappearing. 2024 – 2025 Hours: Mondays: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Thursdays: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
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.
Worden Family Collection
Saginaw, MI
United States
Contact: Chelsea Worden, chelseajworden@gmail.com
I am a homeschooling mom of three small children and a long-time living book collector. Currently I have about 4,000 living books and counting. Open by appointment only. Please contact me via email.
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, naglakfamilylibrary@gmail.com
We are now open! Please email for information!
Literary Legacy Library
Monett, MO
United States
Contact: Katie Levans, katie.levans44@gmail.com
Open Thursdays 1:00 to 5:00 pm or by appointment Membership: $10 monthly or $100/ year
Nebraska
Mama Bear Lending Den
Omaha, NE
United States
Contact: Tiffany Carter
We are not open yet but excited to serve our community soon!
Nevada
Frank Fort Home Library
Caliente, NV
United States
Contact: Teri Frank, terilwfrank@gmail.com
Open Fridays 10:00a-3:00p OR anytime by appointment.
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
In home lending library. Open by appointment only.
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
Emy Damian's Story
We are lending curated boxes of written treasures to subscribers. 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.
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 Tuesdays 3:30-6:30 and the 1st & 3rd Saturday of every month at 10-2. The membership fee is $120.
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
Now accepting membership applications! Please email for details.
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 Library of Lancaster County
Leola, PA
United States
Contact: Rachel Klein, Rachel.Gold202@gmail.com
Opening January 2026
Living Books Rescue
Pittsburgh, PA
United States
Contact: Tracy Born, trborn1@gmail.com
Tracy Born's Story
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, lionheartlivinglibrary@gmail.com
We have 23,000+ books, including 79 Five-in-a-Row 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 are also available.
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 seek out books full of truth, beauty, and goodness. Currently we have nearly 8,000 books in circulation. There is a small annual fee for membership, which runs August 1 - July 31, and a limited number of families are admitted for membership each year. Our home is open for library hours twice monthly and by appointment for families who need it. We also offer an online catalogue for members to browse. 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
Little Ladybug Library
Austin, TX
United States
Contact: Laura, littleladybuglibrary@gmail.com
Working to open in 2025
Old Roads Lending Library
Canton, TX
United States
Contact: Emily M, emberjoy@icloud.com
Now accepting patrons! Email with questions or to get a copy of the member agreement. Library access by appointment only.
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
The Decatur Book Bus
Decatur, TX
United States
Contact: Lia Carta, thebookbusDecatur@gmail.com
We are a mobile library open Thursdays 9-2, Fridays 10-2, and one Saturday a month. We area a proud collaborator with the First Baptist Library in Decatur! Text the word BUS to 707-234-8135 to ask any questions and get our bus schedule sent to you each month! We are a 501-c3 non-profit with a suggested annual membership fee of $40/per year/per family.
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 $72.00. 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.
St. Columba’s Place
Front Royal, VA
United States
Contact: Lara Purciel, Stcolumbasplace@gmail.com
Opening soon!
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
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
Kathleen Seeger's Story
Open the first Wednesday of every month for check out. Membership is $120 per year.
Wyoming
Learning Resources Library
Lander, WY
United States
Contact: Amanda Shade
Creative learning resources and books for everyone in the family, educational events and experiences, as well as classroom spaces available by reservation. Located at 351 Sweetwater, Lander Wy. Find us also on Facebook.
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
Adventure awaits
To those who believe what you read is just as important as reading itself, Biblioguides gives you the resources and tools to discover the right book for the right person at the right moment.
Your next book journey begins here.