About ArLib.me

ArLib.me is a public goods community project to map and catalog mini libraries by Jan. 31, 2025. Mini libraries are more than book collections—they're neighborhood gems of creativity and connection. ArLib puts these spaces on the map and in your pocket, making it easy to explore, share, and discover books nearby. Each cataloged book links to its openlibrary.org page, helping you decide your next great read effortlessly! Click here to read the article about the project on Arlington Now.

🗺️ Map The Libraries!

It's simple and fun. Use your phone to add a library and earn 50 points:

1. You must be at the library. This is an IRL experience.
2. Snap a pic of the library and name it to place it on the map.

📚 Catalog The Books!

Scan barcode on books to catalog them.

1. Scan the barcode on the back of the book with your phone.
2. Best in daylight. ISBN 13 barcodes to start.

Over time the catalog can get stale. A 5 minute re-scan of the books will keep it up to date.

⭐️ Earn Points!

Earn points for discovering libraries and scanning books. Get on top of the leaderboards. Rewards in the future?

1. Never before scanned books earn 5 points.
2. Rescans of books in the catalog earn points based on freshness.
3. Point multipliers kick in after a streak of scans.

👀 Browse Books Remotely

Looking for a good book but don't feel like trekking to a mini library? Need something for your book club or just curious about what others nearby are reading? Find a library on the map and browse its collection—quick and simple. Spotted a book but not sure if it's worth your time? Look it up later and decide.

🏆 Make This Happen

Mini libraries are a public goods. We need a burst to get as many mini-libraries online as possible by the end of January. Enter quests. People hunt to discover new libraries and catalog its contents to compete for points. Quests are more fun with real rewards! Sure, bragging rights are cool, but how about points that can turn into something tangible, like money or gift cards to local businesses? Imagine earning something of value for putting libraries online—or for refreshing the catalog while on a dog walk. For some it is not about the money. But we know incentives work. The prize-to-points ratio? That's the exciting part—it depends on how many sponsors and funds join the quest! Gamification ideas are flowing, and we're just getting started. Will there be a golden ticket? Got thoughts or want to chip in ideas or funds? Let's team up and make it happen—reach out ArlingtonAndUkraine+arlib@gmail.com and help shape something awesome! This is a fun community project. Don't be shy.

🌟 Accounts & Points

You start earning points the moment you add a library or a book—no sign-up. Your points belong to an anonymous account with a random name like “Reader K7Q2M”. To keep them if you clear your browser or switch devices, tap Save with passkey: your phone or password manager creates a passkey, secured by Face ID, Touch ID or your device PIN, and you can sign in with it anywhere. The site stores no email, name or password—only your random name, your points and the passkey's public key. Leaderboards show random names only. If rewards are introduced in the future, points will determine eligibility, and you will be able to link a wallet to your account then.

💫 Epilogue

Every library and book you add becomes part of a growing, mapped network that anyone can explore. It's a community-driven way to make books more accessible while celebrating the stories in our neighborhoods.

🇺🇦 🇺🇸

Victory for Ukraine is a victory for all of us.