At Red Oak Realty, community has always been at the heart of what we do. A few months ago, during a Red Oak agents advisory meeting, a simple and thoughtful idea came up. What if we created Little Libraries as a way to share books and invite more everyday connections with our neighbors?

That idea quickly became reality. Red Oak has installed two Little Libraries, one in front of our El Cerrito office and another at our Hopkins office in Berkeley. Since then, they have been steadily gaining attention and use from people walking by, families with kids, and neighbors looking for their next good read.

So what exactly is a Little Library?

Little Libraries are small neighborhood book exchanges inspired by the global Little Free Library movement. The idea is simple and welcoming. You can take a book that interests you, and if you have books at home you are ready to pass along, you are encouraged to leave one for someone else. There is no sign-up, no rules, and no obligation. Just shared stories and a sense of trust.

Across the East Bay, Little Libraries have quietly become part of the neighborhood landscape. You can find them tucked into residential streets and near local gathering spots in places like Berkeley, Oakland, and El Cerrito. Each one reflects the community around it, from children’s books to novels to well-loved classics.

At Red Oak, we love that these small libraries reflect the same values we believe in every day. They encourage sharing, curiosity, and connection. Our Little Libraries are open to everyone. Whether you are stopping by to browse, picking up a book for your commute, or helping refresh the shelves with a few titles from home, you are always welcome.

If you are near our El Cerrito office or our Berkeley office, we invite you to stop by and take a look. Check out a book or two. And if you have books you are ready to pass along, please consider dropping them off. It is a small gesture that makes a meaningful difference. We are excited to see how these Little Libraries continue to grow as part of the Red Oak community and the neighborhoods we call home.