Impact Library Program Steward Stories, June 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 27 Impact Library Packages to applicants from schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations in June 2023. These new Little Free Libraries will be expanding book access from Charlotte, NC to Mohave Valley, AZ and many areas in between! Learn more about where we’ve placed Impact Library Program awards over the years.

Kelly M. — #131356 in Agoura Hills, CA

“I wanted to start this library as a way to promote reading in the many high school students who walk past my house daily. I had no idea how much it would bring my community together. I’ve met a number of neighbors I had never spoken to before, and had an overwhelming amount of support from local parents and children who are thrilled to have a Little Free Library in the neighborhood. I was excited to see a donated book show up in the library on only the second day it was installed! Neighbors have messaged me to say thank you. Opening the library also started a string of messages on our local Facebook page about favorite books. The young adult books in the library are the ones that get taken most frequently, so I know the high school students who walk past on the way home from school are making good use of the library. I’m thrilled to be able to contribute to my neighborhood while promoting literacy.

“Here is a message I received today from a neighbor I haven’t met before: ‘I wanted to thank you again for putting this up. It made our longer dog walk today fun especially for my 13-year-old who’d much rather be reading than walking. We will bring some books to replace the ones we took!'”

Alex F. — #163701 in Jamestown, ND

“We were selected to receive an impact grant library. Our house is right on the corner of a main road in town, and children from a special school normally take daily walks past our house. We are thrilled to receive this library and share books with not only the Anne Carlson School kids but all the others in our neighborhood as well!”

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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