It generally takes at least a year to raise money, plan and construct a building. During this time, people may start to lose interest in the project. By starting small, you can show people how the library works and gain their support and confidence before expanding. Even a single shelf in the corner of a classroom or shop is enough to get started. Choose a place that is easy to find near the centre of the community.
Many places can be good first locations for the library.
Shops and restaurants can be great because there is always someone around to look after the books. They also increase the library's visibility in the community. A library in a storage room or office will be quieter and may have more room, but someone will have to take time out from other activities to open it, and it may be harder to publicise. If you choose to locate the library in a classroom, be sure to make it clear to everyone that the books belong to the whole school or community and not just the teacher who uses the classroom. If other activities, such as classes, church services or meetings routinely take place where the library is located, this will cut down the amount of time that it is open to the public.