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 Charlottesville 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!
CHARLOTTESVILLE 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.”
Charlottesville Little Free Libraries
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- Blenheim Avenue Little Free Library
- 712 Blenheim Ave., Charlottesville, VA 22902
- Blenheim Avenue Little Free Library
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- Johnson Elementary Little Free Library
- 1645 Cherry Ave., Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Johnson Elementary Little Free Library
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- Little Free Library Charter #37525
- 677 Evergreen Ave., Charlottesville, VA 22902
- Little Free Library Charter #37525
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!
The Free Book Bus was founded to enable all families to have a home library for their children, regardless of income. The Free Book Bus is based in Charlottesville but travels to Albemarle, Nelson, and other surrounding areas. We give free children’s books to every child or teen who visits the bus. We have also added adult books at certain stops by popular request. To donate books, contact 434-218-3552 or [email protected].
The Friends of Jefferson-Madison Regional Library also accept gently used books at the library’s Gordon Avenue Branch, 1500 Gordon Ave., Charlottesville, VA 22903.
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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- New Dominion Bookshop, 404 E. Main St., Charlottesville, VA 22902
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- Heartwood Books, 5 Elliewood Ave., Charlottesville, VA 22903
- See more on Facebook
- Heartwood Books, 5 Elliewood Ave., Charlottesville, VA 22903
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- Blue Whale Books, 115 W. Main St., Charlottesville, VA 22902
- See more on Facebook
- Blue Whale Books, 115 W. Main St., Charlottesville, VA 22902
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- Daedalus Used Bookshop, 121 4th St. NE, Charlottesville, VA 22902
- See more on Facebook
- Daedalus Used Bookshop, 121 4th St. NE, Charlottesville, VA 22902
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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- Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle
- Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle (LVCA) promotes adult literacy through free, confidential, one-to-one reading, writing, and English language tutoring. Visit the website to learn more about how you can support their mission.
- WriterHouse
- WriterHouse believes that everybody has a story to tell and that our stories express community and individual values. Writing has the power to heal and transform lives by deepening understanding and empathy. WriterHouse aspires to give everyone the most effective literary tools to tell their stories and find their audience. Visit the website for ways to get involved.
- Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle
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!