Impact Library Program Steward Stories, May 2023

By Sarah Nelson

Little Free Library’s Impact Library Program provides no-cost Little Free Library book-sharing boxes to underserved communities where they can make a meaningful impact on book access and literacy engagement. This month we heard from two stewards who were previously granted libraries through our Impact Library Program and wanted to share their stories.

Additionally, we granted 28 Impact Library Packages to applicants from schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations in May 2023. These new Little Free Libraries will be expanding book access from Lambton, ON to Cleveland, GA and many areas in between! Learn more about where we’ve placed Impact Library Program awards over the years.

Kaitlyn M. — #133331 in Salt Lake City, UT

“Our Little Free Library has been immensely popular at Under the Umbrella! Patrons and guests alike give and take queer books to share regularly, and regulars are often happily surprised to see some of their favorite books being offered for free—especially in a space where you are traditionally required to pay! We’ve been able to share dozens of queer books for free to community members who may not otherwise have been able to access them.

Community is beautiful! When I’m feeling down about how things are going, people are inevitably generous and supportive of community to life my spirits back up.”

Suzanne R. — #143093 in Winona, MN

“In our first year since being award our very own Little Free Library through the Impact Library Program, we have seen hundreds of books fly off the shelves into the hands of all ages. We are working hard to make sure we are supplying books for infants to seniors.

I have found that I need to supply a wider genre of books. A mother stopped at the Library while I was stocking it, and asked if she was allowed to take a book. I said, ‘Yes of course,’ and she followed up with, ‘Do you have any chapter books for boys?’ I had a few, but chapter books for girls dominated the collection. This was a good learning experience for me, and now I know I need to keep a broader point-of-view when book hunting.”

Help us bring Little Free Libraries full of books where they’re needed most. Donate today! When you donate, you help us provide libraries to communities like these.

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