ThriftBooks, one of the largest online used-book retailers, has continued its role as the exclusive national book partner for Little Free Library, the global network of small free public book exchanges, according to market research firm Persistence Market Research's 2026 industry report. The partnership includes sponsorship of Little Free Library boxes and a commitment of more than 10,000 book donations annually to support the network.
The move reflects a broader pattern in the secondhand book industry, where major retailers are increasingly positioning community book-access programs as both a literacy initiative and a customer-engagement strategy. The same report projects the global secondhand book market will grow from roughly $29.6 billion in 2026 to $45.1 billion by 2033, a 6.2% compound annual growth rate, driven partly by sustainability-minded consumers and affordability pressure on new-book prices.
For readers, the practical impact is a modestly larger and better-stocked Little Free Library network, though inventory at any single box still depends entirely on local donations and remains unpredictable. The official Little Free Library map, which lists more than 200,000 registered locations worldwide, remains the best way to find one nearby.
Our Little Free Library guide covers how to find boxes near you and the etiquette of the take-a-book, leave-a-book model.
Source: Persistence Market Research.