This 'little free' bakery gets stocked with 100 homemade treats weekly in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood

You know those miniature sheds that invite people to swap books? Known as Little Free Libraries, they help bring communities together. These days you can find stands that include food donations, even free art. One Seattle woman uses hers to share treats.

Lanne Stauffer has taken the book-sharing movement to a new level. Instead of books, she fills her stand in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood with miniature pies, bundt cakes, and muffins—all homemade and baked from scratch.

“Feeding people definitely is the way I say 'I love you,'” said Stauffer.

Stauffer was inspired when she got a bouquet of fresh flowers from the Little Free Flowery in her neighborhood. She wanted to share that feeling of joy. The stand was a family effort. Her husband built and painted the case. Her daughter created the sign. In October, Stauffer’s Little Free Bakery was launched. Every Tuesday, she stocks it with up to 100 little treats.

While neighbors appreciate them, the endeavor is for her, too. The Stauffers own and operate two shoe stores in Ballard and Redmond. Stauffer says baking has been therapeutic.

“It’s been a long pandemic, right? It’s been hard. Tuesdays are my favorite right now because it’s just all positive.”

It’s been so positive that three people offered to be guest bakers. Stauffer hopes it’ll inspire others to launch their own little free bakeries across the city.