The Asheville 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 Asheville 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!

ASHEVILLE 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.”

Asheville Little Free Libraries

• • Hall Fletcher Elementary
    • 60 Ridgelawn Rd., Asheville, NC 28806

• • Asheville Fire Station 2
    • 415 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

 

• • Asheville Fire Station 5
    • 1074 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville, NC 28803

 

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 Free Little Library library models are weather-resistant, low-maintenance, and are all built by Amish craftsmen 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!

The POP Project, or Pages Opening People Project, finds new homes for used books. Check the website for a list of acceptable conditions and types, then drop them off at one of these drop box locations:

• • Hands On Asheville-Buncombe: 50 South French Broad Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
  • Literacy Council of Buncombe County: 31 College Pl., Asheville, NC 28801
  • Mountain Xpress: 2 Wall St., Asheville, NC 28801
  • Hanger Hall School for Girls: 64 W.T. Weaver Blvd., Asheville, NC 28804

Buncombe County Public Libraries also accepts gently used books at all 13 locations. Contact your local branch to ask if they are currently accepting donations before bringing items to the library. Once donated, items become property of the Library and if they are not added to the collection they may be sold at a Friends of the Library Book Sale.

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:

• • Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe, 55 Haywood St., Asheville, NC 28801
    • See more on Facebook and Instagram

• • Battery Park Book Exchange, 1 Page Ave. #101, Asheville, NC 28801
    • See more on Facebook and Instagram

• • Downtown Books & News, 67 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
    • See more on Instagram

• • Book Warehouse Asheville, 800 Brevard Rd. Suite 124, Asheville, NC 28806

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…

• • Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe
    • Read to Succeed’s mission is to close the race-based opportunity gap through community-powered literacy programming that engages children, families, and community partners. Visit the website to learn more about becoming a volunteer reading tutor.
  • Literacy Together
    • Literacy Together is a nonprofit organization working with children, youth, and adults to increase comprehensive literacy and English language skills through access to literacy resources and specialized instruction by trained volunteer tutors. Learn more about their programs: Adult Literacy, English for Speakers of Other Languages Program, Youth Literacy Program, and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program.

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!