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 Louisville 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!
LOUISVILLE 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.”
Louisville Little Free Libraries
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- St. Stephen Martyr Little Free Library
- 2931 Pindell Ave., Louisville, KY 40217
- St. Stephen Martyr Little Free Library
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- Little Free Tree Library
- 333 Plaza Ave., Louisville, KY 40218
- Little Free Tree Library
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- Kindness Warrior Library
- 5001 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., Louisville, KY 40291
- Kindness Warrior 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!
Louisville Books to Prisoners sends free books directly to incarcerated people in Kentucky and Virginia. They provide resources to the incarcerated and those impacted by incarceration, while raising consciousness about the prison-industrial complex. Check the website for a list of acceptable books, then drop them off at McQuixote Books & Coffee, 1512 Portland Ave., Ste. #1., Louisville, KY 40203, in one of the book crates.
The Friends of the Louisville Free Public Library also accept gently used books at all 17 library locations. Email [email protected] for more information.
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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- Carmichael’s Bookstore, 1295 Bardstown Rd., Louisville, KY 40204
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- McQuixote Books & Coffee, 1512 Portland Ave., Ste. #1., Louisville, KY 40203
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- Half Price Books, 2025 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., Louisville, KY 40220
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- Book and Music Exchange, 1616 Bardstown Rd., Louisville, KY 40205
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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- I Would Rather Be Reading
- I Would Rather Be Reading (IWRBR) provides equitable access to literacy education and social-emotional learning to children with backgrounds of trauma. IWRBR is a nonprofit that provides reading mentoring, summer camps, after school programs, family engagement sessions, and professional development for educators. Visit the website to learn more about the ways you can support their mission and volunteer.
- National Center for Families Learning
- National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) works to eradicate poverty through education solutions for families. Partnering with educators, literacy advocates, and policymakers, NCFL develops and provides programming, professional development, and resources for families. See how you can support this mission on their website.
- I Would Rather Be Reading
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!
Deborah Weeter
Written on
local bookstore worth mentioning
Jasmine Bible
Written on
Hey Deborah! We’d love to hear about another local bookstore! Can you tell us the name?
Jana
Written on
Nice! I’ll stop by the Hurstbourne location!