The Roanoke Nest Library

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 Roanoke 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!

 

ROANOKE 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.”

Roanoke Little Free Libraries

• • Rebecca’s Little Library
    • 2525 Avenham Ave. SW, Roanoke, VA 24014

• • Greenwood Bookatorium
    • 1725 Greenwood Rd., Roanoke, VA 24015

• • Little Free Library Charter #45384
    • 930 Old Vinton Mill Rd., Roanoke, VA 24012

 

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!

Total Action for Progress (TAP)‘s book donation program helps support their mission, gives free books to people in need, and creates jobs. Check out their website for more info and drop off books at any of these locations:

• • TAP Books Warehouse: 901 11th St. NE, Roanoke, VA
  • Roanoke Higher Education Center: 108 N. Jefferson St., Roanoke, VA 24016
  • Westhampton Christian Church: 2515 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke, VA 24015
  • Growing Years Daycare: 2102 Hardy Rd., Vinton, VA 24179
  • Bank of Botetourt: 3130 Peters Creek Rd., Roanoke, VA 24019

The AAUW Roanoke Valley Branch also accepts gently used books for their book sale, which are essential to fund higher education scholarships for women and girls in the area. Contact [email protected] or call 540-580-6330 to donate, and visit their website to learn more.

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:

• • Book No Further, 112 Market St. SE, Roanoke, VA 24011
    • See more on Facebook

• • Too Many Books, 1504 Grandin Rd. SW, Roanoke, VA 24015
    • See more on Facebook

• • Walter & Co. Booksellers, 25 W. Main St., Salem, VA 24153

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…

• • Blue Ridge Literacy
    • The mission of Blue Ridge Literacy is to support achievement of life goals by providing opportunities to strengthen literacy skills to adults in western Virginia. One of their main philosophies is to keep a learner’s goals and interests in mind when working with them. They encourage volunteers, teachers, and tutors to get to know their learner or classroom so that they are better able to teach. Get involved today by becoming a volunteer, partner, donor, or sponsor.
  • Kids Soar
    • Kids Soar focuses on working to end the cycle of poverty by strengthening children and their families through offering literacy and academic education as well as teaching life skills for a successful future. Give to support their mission and become a member of the Soaring Champions Club.

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!