Share the joy of reading!
Reading is a true delight—it can transport us to far off adventures, teach us about one another, and provide limitless inspiration and motivation. To support literacy in our greater Atlanta community, we’ve created the Nest Library to share reading resources with you. Read on for our list of Little Free Libraries, view places to Donate Used Books, visit our favorite Local Bookstores, and Get Involved on a local level!
ATLANTA LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES
You may have seen these sweet little boxes popping up around your town. What began as an organic movement has gained popularity throughout the U.S., and has become the largest book-sharing movement in the country, now organized by a nonprofit. LittleFreeLibrary.org is a nonprofit organization that builds community, inspires readers, and expands book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led little libraries. Through Little Free Library book exchanges, millions of books are exchanged each year, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Why Does Book Access Matter?
According to Little Free Library, “We are facing a growing literacy crisis. Today in the United States, more than 30 million adults cannot read or write above a third-grade level. Studies have repeatedly shown that books in the hands of children have a meaningful impact on improving literacy. The more books in or near the home, the more likely a child will learn and love to read. But two out of three children living in poverty have no books to call their own.
Little Free Library book-sharing boxes play an essential role by providing 24/7 access to books (and encouraging a love of reading!) in areas where books are scarce. At the Little Free Library nonprofit, we’re working to fill book deserts and grant libraries to underserved communities through our Impact Library Program and other initiatives.”
Atlanta Little Free Libraries
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- Readbooker Place Little Free Library
- 1120 Atlantic Dr., Atlanta GA 30318
- Readbooker Place Little Free Library
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- Kindezi O4W Little Free Library
- 386 Pine Street, Atlanta GA 30308
- Kindezi O4W Little Free Library
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- Emory Alloy’s Little Free Library
- Emory University, Starvine Way, Atlanta, GA 30033
- Emory Alloy’s Little Free Library
Start Your Own Little Free Library!
Looking for a great way to connect with your neighborhood in 2021? How about starting your own Little Free Library book-sharing box! The Little Free Library library models are weather-resistant, low-maintenance, and are all built by Amish craftspeople in America. If you build your own library, make sure to register it with one of the charter signs!
DONATE USED BOOKS
Share the joy of reading by donating your used books!
Children Read is designed to improve reading skills of children by giving them books of their own before they reach kindergarten. To do this, Children Read collects and repairs used and new books and then distributes them free of charge to children. Check the website for a list of acceptable conditions and types, then drop them off at one of these drop box locations:
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- 2936M North Druid Hills Rd., Atlanta, GA 30329 (call 404-295-0789 or email [email protected])
- Tall Tales Book Shop: 2105 Lavista Rd., Atlanta, GA 30329
- Little Shop of Stories: 133a East Court Sq., Decatur, GA 30030
- Greene’s Fine Foods: 141 East Trinity Pl., Decatur, GA 30030
- Casseroles: 1393 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306
- Campbell Dental Group: 4840 Roswell Rd., Bldg A, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30342
The Atlanta AAUW Bookfair also appreciates all continued book donations for future events and online sales. AAUW’s commitment to provide scholarships and community projects to promote education and equity for women and girls continues. Donate your gently used books at these locations:
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- 5511 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody, GA 30338
- 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
- 2900 Peachtree Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
- 1795 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta, GA 30062
LOCAL BOOKSTORES
We love local, and we love books! So what better way to support the community than purchasing your books at one of our marvelous local bookstores?! Here are a few of our favorites:
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- A Cappella Books, 208 Haralson Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
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- Tall Tales, 2105 Lavista Rd. #108, Atlanta, GA 30329
- See more on Facebook
- Tall Tales, 2105 Lavista Rd. #108, Atlanta, GA 30329
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- Posman Books, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE C-197, Atlanta, GA 30308
- See more on Facebook
- Posman Books, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE C-197, Atlanta, GA 30308
Did we miss one of your faves? We want to hear about it!
GET INVOLVED
Eager to get involved? You can volunteer, donate, become a reading tutor…
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- Everybody Wins! Atlanta
- Since 1997, Everybody Wins! Atlanta’s Power Lunch literacy program has been delighting the 15,000+ Metro Atlanta students, volunteers, teachers, school administrators, and parents impacted by this shared reading experience. Visit the website to learn more about all the ways you can volunteer.
- Literacy Action
- Founded in a church basement, Literacy Action is now the oldest, largest, and leading adult basic education nonprofit in the Southeastern United States. Visit the website to learn more about all the ways you can volunteer.
- Everybody Wins! Atlanta
We hope you enjoyed this round up of reading resources. Is there something we missed? We’d love to hear other ways that you are supporting literacy in our community!