What Mesa rules apply to Little Libraries?
Little Libraries are included in the Mesa Zoning Ordinance. According to Section 11-30-4.A.3 of the Mesa Zoning Ordinance:
- Little Libraries can be up to 2 feet wide and between 3 feet and 10 feet tall.
- Little Libraries may be installed in the front or side yard of a residential property.
- Little Libraries cannot be installed in the public right-of-way on your property. In Mesa, the public right-of-way often extends 3.5-ft back from the inside edge of the sidewalk (the side closest to your home, away from the street). If there are questions about the right-of-way on your property, please call 480-644-4273.
- Little Libraries may not interfere with vehicle-sight-visibility at street intersections or driveways. To avoid this, it is recommended that you choose a library installation spot in your yard away from your driveway, and away from street intersections. If there are questions about library placement, please call 480-644-4273.
Please review the full interpretation of Section 11-30-4.A.3 of the Mesa Zoning Ordinance(PDF, 88KB) pertaining to Little Libraries to ensure that your library is in compliance.
Are Little Libraries allowed in neighborhoods with a homeowner's association (HOA)?
If you live in an HOA please contact the HOA management to determine if you are allowed to install a library on your property. If you live in an HOA community and plan to apply for our program, you must have permission from the HOA and include an HOA Authorization Form(PDF, 132KB) with your application.
Who is responsible for maintaining the Little Library?
The resident who hosts the library is responsible for care and maintenance of the library. This resident is who becomes the “Little Library Steward”.
Can I get reimbursed if I already have a Little Library?
Our program is only for new libraries; however, we encourage current library owners to register their libraries with https://littlefreelibrary.org. We provide funding for library registration. To apply for registration support, please fill out the registration interest form above, or contact CommunityEngagementInfo@mesaaz.gov.
Can I install a library on my own without financial support from your program?
Yes! We would love to see more little libraries popping up in Mesa. The Mesa Little Library program is a funding source for libraries, but you do not have to participate or be funded by us in order to move ahead on your own.
There are some great resources out there for library ideas, creating a library on a budget, collaborating as a neighborhood to create libraries, and more. Littlefreelibraries.org is a great place to start for inspiration.
All libraries need to comply with the Mesa Zoning Ordinance pertaining to libraries, and have permission from the HOA if you live in one.
You do NOT need a permit to install a library. And you do not have to register your library with littlefreelibraries.org in order to install a library, although it does come with some perks and it’s fun to be part of that movement.
Consider requesting support from us to register your library after you install it. Fill out the Little Library Charter Number Request form.