The Greenville 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 Greenville 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!

Greenville Public Library Celebrating 100 Year Anniversary

Commemorating a Century of Book Access in Greenville

Chartered in May 1921 as the Greenville Public Library Association, the Greenville County Library System is celebrating its 100 year anniversary this year. Join the party with “100 Years in the Making,” an exhibit honoring the history of public libraries in Greenville, on display at the Hughes Main Library through September 13. Explore the library’s growth from just 500 books in 1921 to more than 700,000 today—not including the library’s vast digital resources—and learn more about how the drive to expand book access a century ago blossomed into Greenville’s literary pride and joy. For more information on the anniversary and exhibit, click here.

GREENVILLE LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES

You may have seen these sweet little boxes popping up around Greenville. 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.”

Greenville Little Free Libraries

• • Alexander Reads Little Free Library
    • 1601 West Bramlett Rd., Greenville, SC 29611

• • East North Street Academy Little Free Library
    • 1 Perrin St., Greenville, SC 29607

• • Little Free Library Charter #28813
    • 813 Hampton Ave., Greenville, SC 29601

 

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!

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:

• • M. Judson Booksellers, 130 S. Main St., Ste. 200A, Greenville, SC 29601
    • See more on Facebook

• • Fiction Addiction, 1175 Woods Crossing Rd. #2, Greenville, SC 29607
    • See more on Facebook and Instagram

• • 2nd & Charles, 2465 Laurens Rd., Greenville, SC 29607
    • See more on Facebook and Instagram
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  • Angel’s BookShoppe, 2327-1 N. Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville, SC 29609
    • See more on Facebook

• • Mr. K’s Used Books, Music and More, 101 Verdae Blvd # 320, Greenville, SC 29607
    • See more on Facebook

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…

• • Greenville County Library System
    • Be sure to explore the wide variety of opportunities to get involved through the Greenville County Library System! You can donate or sign up to volunteer here.

• • Spartanburg County Public Libraries
    • Regular hours have resumed at most of the 11 locations. Check out the Kennedy Room of Local and South Carolina History and Cleveland Genealogy Department. They house an extensive collection of source material for genealogy and history researchers. So cool!

• • Augustine Literacy Project Upstate South Carolina
    • Augustine Literacy Project provides free one-on-one reading lessons weekly to qualifying students at their school during the day. The lessons are individualized, structured, and multi-sensory. This instruction allows students to process reading in an alternative way, through more than simply looking at words on a page. Visit their website to learn about ways to support this mission.
  • Greenville Literacy Association
    • Greenville Literacy Association (GLA) provides quality adult education in a flexible and comfortable environment. It is their goal to provide affordable and effective help for all people—no matter what your income or education level. GLA also provides a safe, welcoming, multicultural space for students to learn, study, and collaborate. Helping adults improve their basic skills has a direct and measurable impact on both the education and quality of life of their children. Visit their website to learn more and become a reading tutor.

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!