Little Library, Big Impact
Article Summary
Access to books helps fuel learning, opportunity, and stronger communities. Through a multi‑year partnership with Little Free Library, Mortenson is expanding access to books by building and placing neighborhood libraries across the country—combining hands‑on volunteerism with long‑term investment to support literacy where it’s needed most.
Key Takeaways
- Mortenson partners with Little Free Library to improve access to books and literacy resources nationwide.
- The multi‑year partnership combines financial support with hands‑on team volunteerism.
- Since 2024, Mortenson teams have built and installed libraries across the country.
- Libraries are placed directly in communities to reduce barriers to reading and learning.
Expanding Access to Books and Learning
Access to books is foundational to learning, opportunity, and thriving communities. Yet for many neighborhoods, books and literacy resources aren’t always easy to access. At Mortenson, expanding access to education is one way we invest in the communities where we live and work.
Through a multi‑year partnership with Little Free Library, Mortenson is helping place books directly into neighborhoods—bringing stories, learning, and connection closer to home. By combining financial support with hands‑on volunteer efforts, our teams are using their skills to help create lasting community resources for children and families.
A Multi‑Year Commitment to Literacy
Mortenson’s partnership with Little Free Library began in 2024 with the goal of creating meaningful, sustainable impact. In the first year, Mortenson teams built and installed 15 libraries across six states. The partnership expanded in 2025 with the sponsorship of Little Free Library’s 200,000th library, installed at an elementary school in the Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota—just miles from Mortenson’s headquarters.
This multi‑year approach allows Mortenson team members across the country to get involved in ways that reflect local community needs, while ensuring the effort continues to grow and reach more families over time.
Designed for Community, Built by Our Teams
Little Free Library builds offer Mortenson teams the opportunity to apply their craftsmanship beyond the project site. Using build‑ready kits, volunteers assemble, customize, and install libraries that are durable, welcoming, and designed to serve communities for years to come. Many teams add personal touches—painting themes inspired by favorite children’s books or community landmarks—before placing libraries near schools, community centers, and shared neighborhood spaces.
These build events also create moments of connection among team members, pairing teamwork and creativity with a shared purpose.
In Minneapolis, the Mortenson team installed a Little Free Library at V3 Sports, a wellness and community center Mortenson previously built. The site is also home to the John W. Hardeman III Club, part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities. Positioned near the building entrance in a safe, wheelchair‑accessible location, the library was quickly embraced by local youth, who helped stock it with books and immediately made it their own.
Looking ahead, Mortenson is planning additional library builds in 2026, including donations to community partners such as YMCA of the North. Team members will also participate in a gently used book drive to help keep Little Free Libraries around the Twin Cities stocked and accessible.
Small Structures, Lasting Impact
Little Free Library helps address an important reality: not everyone has transportation to a public library or access to affordable books and educational resources. By placing libraries directly within neighborhoods, this partnership helps remove barriers and make reading more accessible—right where families already gather.
While each Little Free Library starts as a small structure, its impact stretches far beyond the box. Filled with stories, imagination, and possibility, these shared spaces encourage curiosity, connection, and a lifelong love of learning.
It’s a simple idea with the power to help shape a child’s next chapter.