Villa Park has several neighborhood book-sharing boxes where residents can take a book, leave a book or return one for another reader. The selection changes as neighbors borrow and contribute books. Four of Villa Park’s Little Red Library boxes also have a local community-service story tied to Villa Park Scout Troop 850 and the Friends of the Villa Park Library.
Villa Park Little Library Locations
The locations documented on this page include four boxes installed through the Troop 850/Friends project and two additional neighborhood boxes maintained at private residences. Because neighborhood book boxes can be moved, removed or replaced over time, use these as general locations rather than guaranteed permanent installations.
| Location | Type |
|---|---|
| Serrano Avenue & Haninger Way | Troop 850/Friends project box |
| Serrano Avenue & Lemon Street | Troop 850/Friends project box |
| Valley Drive & Brewer | Troop 850/Friends project box |
| Vida Drive & Montana Circle | Troop 850/Friends project box |
| Beardsley Circle off Lincoln Street | Privately maintained neighborhood box |
| Valley Drive & Loma Street | Privately maintained neighborhood box |
How the Little Libraries Work
Neighborhood book boxes are simple community exchanges. Take a book that interests you, return it later or keep it depending on the individual box’s guidelines, and leave another appropriate book when possible. Avoid leaving damaged or moldy books, and don’t overfill a box or leave books piled outside when it is full.
These neighborhood boxes are not branches of the Villa Park Library. The Villa Park Library is part of OC Public Libraries and provides the full range of library collections and services; the neighborhood boxes are informal book-sharing points maintained through community participation.
How Villa Park’s Little Red Libraries Started
The four Little Red Library boxes were created through a community project involving Villa Park Scout Troop 850, the Friends of the Villa Park Library and local residents who volunteered locations for the boxes. The project used library boxes and posts obtained through Little Free Library and then prepared and installed them at four Villa Park locations.
Troop 850 Scout Austin San Pedro led the installation effort as an Eagle Scout service project. As part of the project, San Pedro raised support and presented the plan to community groups, including the Friends of the Villa Park Library, the Villa Park City Council and the Rotary Club of Villa Park. Four property owners then volunteered locations for the boxes.
Troop members and adult volunteers completed the installation with assistance from Villa Park maintenance staff. The project is a small example of the volunteer and civic-service tradition that also supports organizations such as the Friends of the Villa Park Library and other community groups.
Community Book Sharing in Villa Park
The Little Red Library boxes complement the services of the Villa Park Library by making informal book sharing available within residential neighborhoods. Residents can contribute books directly to the boxes when space is available, while larger donations and organized library support are better directed through the Friends of the Villa Park Library or the library itself.
Villa Park Little Library FAQ
Where are the free library boxes in Villa Park?
Locations documented on this page include Serrano Avenue at Haninger Way, Serrano Avenue at Lemon Street, Valley Drive at Brewer, Vida Drive at Montana Circle, Beardsley Circle off Lincoln Street, and Valley Drive at Loma Street. Neighborhood boxes can change over time.
Are the books really free?
The boxes operate as neighborhood book exchanges. Readers can take a book and, when possible, return it or contribute another book for someone else.
Do I have to leave a book to take one?
Not necessarily. The general idea is community sharing, so contributing a book when you can helps keep the boxes stocked. Follow any instructions posted on the individual box.
Can I donate books?
Yes, if the books are in good condition and the box has room. Avoid leaving books outside an overflowing box.
Are these part of the Villa Park Library?
No. The neighborhood boxes are informal community book-sharing locations. See our Villa Park Library guide for information about the public library and OC Public Libraries services.
Who started Villa Park’s Little Red Library boxes?
The four project boxes were created through an Eagle Scout service project led by Troop 850 Scout Austin San Pedro with support from the Friends of the Villa Park Library, local residents and community partners.