The Drive to Strive

Did you know that 61% of children in low-income homes grow up without reliable access to books? This is a number which includes not only academic books integral for ensuring their continued education, but children's and young adult books.

That is two out of three children. Yet academically, children who grow up without access to books – whether academic or otherwise – are on average three years behind children in homes with easy access to books.

Libraries throughout the United States vary wildly throughout the United States in rural areas, from 3.6% to 83.3%, according to a survey completed by The Institute of Museum and Library Servcies – and these are often the areas which suffer the most from a lack of books. Often, a single small library can cover several towns – and that can be quite a bit of land to cover, making it nearly impossible for children and young adults to have reliable access to books and reading materials.

This is the sad reality of many children in America, and it is one that has received woefully little attention through out the years. But it is a reality that many communities are tackling themselves, thanks in part to the Little Free Library initiative.

A non-profit organization, Little Free Library is working hard to provide small, individual box libraries to every community across America – and they are making a definitive impact in those areas where books are scarce.

How do you encourage a love of reading, after all, when there is nothing to read?

Helping to build over 1,000 tiny libraries in communities in need to date, the non-profit organization isn't finished yet. The libraries are small – easily fitting in any size front yard, or even on a small section of sidewalk. Filled with books for both adults and children, they work on an honor system – for every book you take, you are encourage to leave one in turn. There is little in the way of oversight, and the libraries are largely unsupervised, leaving their contents often a surprise for those who stumble upon them.

It is important to note that the organization does not require membership for the use of the Little Free Library concept, and the libraries themselves are often constructed from whatever materials might be available. The Little Free Library organization provides help and resources for those taking part in the initiative to bring books to their communities, but the use of those resources it not required.

And these 'libraries' are bringing communities together in surprising ways. In the town of Port St. John, Florida, a recent act of senseless burglary and violence saw the Little Free Library on Anna Hackel's property vandalized, the library itself stolen – along with all the books inside.

However, within twenty four hours the community had rallied around Anna and her family, providing enough money not only for a new Little Free Library – but also new books to fill it's shelves!

But this wasn't enough for Anna and her family. The community had given back to them – so she knew they had to do something to give back to community.

November 7th, 2020 saw the grand re-opening of the Little Free Library on Alleghany Drive, complete with a ribbon cutting and lemonade stand for those who attended the social distance event. Though the lemonade itself was free, a donation can nearby advertised the newest initiative connected to Anna and her Library – to bring the local Headstart enough books to see them through the remainder of the school year, and beyond.

The Little Free Library initiative is just one way communities are coming together, and in these uncertain times it is a breath of fresh air – and hope for a better future for our children.