Little Free Library Executive Director Greig Metzger attended the World Literacy Summit 2023 in Oxford, England in April. The World Literacy Summit brings together leaders from 85 countries representing over two-thirds of the world’s population, and all with a single focus – advocating, championing, and educating on the vital importance of improving literacy levels across the globe.
We had the opportunity to present what we’re doing at Little Free Library and were on a panel called The Joy of Reading along with Reading Is Fundamental, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and United Through Reading.
We were honored to win the 2020 World Literacy Award, but the pandemic prevented us from attending.
Andrew Kay, CEO of the World Literacy Foundation, explained that the award aims to celebrate the work and impact of Little Free Library around the globe. Mr. Kay said, “In the current crisis, literacy has never been more important with the disadvantaged children lacking access to books and educational resources. Today, 91% of children are not currently attending school.”
Thank you, again, to the World Literacy Foundation for this honor and for the opportunity to attend this year’s summit. And thank you to our amazing volunteer stewards for bringing the Little Free Library network to every corner of the globe!
To learn how you can start a Little Free Library book-sharing box in your community, start here!