Everyone has a right to read. That’s why Kiwanis International and the Little Free Library nonprofit are teaming up to expand book access in communities around the world. The partnership provides a path for Kiwanis clubs to get books into young readers’ hands through Little Free Library book-sharing boxes.
“Kiwanis clubs support children. We say kids need Kiwanis to help them thrive, prosper and grow,” said Pam Norman, chief philanthropy officer, Kiwanis Children’s Fund. “The partnership with Little Free Library supports our education and literacy cause and helps get a book to every child, because reading opens a world of imagination and opportunity for them.”
Many Kiwanis clubs are already Little Free Library stewards in their communities, and this new partnership will allow even more Kiwanis clubs and members to participate in local book sharing. (The Little Free Libraries pictured here are stewarded by the Kiwanis Club of South Central Indiana.)
Beginning today, Kiwanis members will receive a 10% discount on all Little Free Library models in a special online store and a 20% discount on Kiwanis-branded official charter signs in either English, French, or Spanish. This charter sign is also available to members who have an existing book-sharing box. In the future, Kiwanis and LFL will work together to promote global literacy days and events.
“This is a great project for clubs,” Norman said. “We believe our clubs will embrace this partnership, and I envision expanding global book access with a Little Free Library in every community where Kiwanis is active.”
“Little Free Library is thrilled to partner with Kiwanis International and its member clubs and affiliates in support of their global literacy initiatives,” said Greig Metzger, executive director, Little Free Library. “Book access is a critical determinant to reading development, which in turn leads to success in school and success in life. It is an honor to be working together to inspire readers around the world.”
LFL is now listed as an official Kiwanis partner, along with organizations such as UNICEF, Reading Is Fundamental, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International is a global organization of clubs and members dedicated to serving the children of the world. Kiwanis and its family of clubs, including Circle K International for university students, Key Club for students age 14-18, Builders Club for students age 11-14, K-Kids for students age 6-12, and Aktion Club for adults with disabilities, annually dedicate more than 18.5 million service hours to strengthen communities and serve children. The Kiwanis International family comprises more than 537,000 adult and youth members in 85 nations and geographic areas.