Through Little Free Libraries, millions of books are exchanged each year, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds. Why Does Book Access Matter? One of the most successful ways to improve the reading achievement of children is to increase their access to books, especially at home (McGill-Franzen & Allington, 2009). But according to the U.S. Department of Education, up to 61% of low-income families do not have any books for their kids at home. Little Free Libraries play an essential role by providing 24/7 access to books (and encouraging a love of reading!) in areas where books are scarce.
Impact Library Program
Little Free Library’s Impact Library Program provides no-cost Little Free Libraries to communities where they can help improve reading motivation and deepen community connectedness. In 2017 the program placed 350 Little Libraries around the United States, thanks to individual donors, organizational partnerships, and revenue from Little Free Library’s retail sales. Recipients have included the Illumination Foundation, a homeless shelter in Santa Ana, California, where there is only one public library and no bookstores for more than 335,000 residents; a family in Illinois who is committed to “rebuilding a broken city one block at a time”; and a vice-principal of a school in a Georgia town where thirty percent of the residents cannot read.
Action Book Club
We believe that books can inspire you to make the world a better place—starting in your own neighborhood! In a new twist on the traditional book club, Little Free Library’s Action Book Club™ invites participants to read books on timely topics, engage in lively discussions, and take part in meaningful—and fun—group service projects to benefit their communities. This is reading and social engagement at its best. When Action Book Club members share their experiences online, they help start a ripple effect of positive activity across the country and around the world.
Kids, Community & Cops
In Minneapolis, police officers ride bikes through underserved parts of the city, filling Little Free Libraries with books. In Los Angeles, every precinct has a Little Free Library where members of the community can gather for book-centered events and get to know their local police officers. These stories and more illustrate how Little Free Library’s Kids, Community & Cops initiative serves as a catalyst for positive interactions between law enforcement groups and the public they serve. Other cities finding success with Kids, Community & Cops include Cleveland, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Chattanooga, Milwaukee, and numerous small towns across the country.
