Pizza Hut’s iconic red roofs might be popping up in your neighborhood soon, though they’ll be a bit smaller than usual. That’s because Little Free Libraries and Pizza Hut have joined together to launch “Little Hut Libraries” this October, which is both National Pizza Month and National Book Month.
Little Free Libraries is an organization that helps set up tiny community libraries. You might have seen one in your neighborhood. People can borrow books for free or add their own books to the little collections aimed at improving literacy.
These Little Hut Libraries are designed to look like miniature Pizza Hut restaurant. Instead of pizza, they will be filled with books – including a starter bundle of 25 starter books – and a pack of goodies from the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! program, like gift cards for free pizza.
Overall, the Little Hut Libraries collaboration will provide 24 custom library packages. In addition to the goodies and book bundles, they will have fully assembled Pizza Hut red roof–inspired Little Free Library book-sharing boxes, a Little Free Library charter sign, a wood post kit OR wood stand, a Pizza Hut plaque, the Little Free Library’s Steward’s Guide and support materials as well as paid shipping costs.
Applicants must provide the library location and have a physical shipping address in the U.S. They must also be at least 18 years old and be local to the library and have regular access to it. If applying for an organization, the applicant must have permission to apply on the organization’s behalf.
Before submitting, applicants must have a confirmed library location with all permissions/permits approved. Households or organizations that already have a Little Free Library must only apply once every six months.
Basic responsibilities of Little Free Library stewards (individuals or groups of people who care for the installations) include: attaching the charter sign and other signs, setting up a steward account, adding the library to the Little Free Library map, keeping the library stocked with books, providing regular maintenance, keeping the area around it neat and clear of litter and weeds, and waterproofing the library by caulking seams and weather stripping.
For those who receive Little Hut Libraries, requirements also include sharing a photo and story about the impact of the library after installation and crediting and tagging the Little Free Library when sharing on social media or in the news. Recipients are also expected to respond to all follow-up communications from Little Free Library.
Applications are open though the end of the month on Halloween and applicants who are selected will be notified by Nov. 10. Library packages will be then shipped about two weeks after award notification and the Little Hut Libraries should be added to the world map by Jan. 1 of next year.
“In tandem with the custom Little Free Library installations and to celebrate National Book Month and National Pizza Month in October, LFL is hosting a giveaway, in collaboration with Pizza Hut, for existing Little Free Library stewards to enter for a chance to win a prize pack of Pizza Hut and Book IT! goodies, including a BOOK IT! t-shirt, sticker sheet, button, and a $20 Barnes & Noble gift card. All Little Free Library stewards in the U.S. are eligible,” the organization added.
Pizza Hut also supports reading education with the Slice of Literacy Grant. It is a bi-annual grant opportunity awards up to $10,000 to public libraries and non-profit organizations that are actively working to improve literacy initiatives in Pizza Hut communities.
