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 Lake Norman 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!
LAKE NORMAN 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.”
Lake Norman Little Free Libraries
-
- Little Free Library Charter #39291
- 11116 Warfield Ave., Huntersville, NC 28078
- Little Free Library Charter #39291
-
- Friends of Nest Little Free Library
- 19812 N. Cove Rd., Cornelius, NC 28031
- Friends of Nest Little Free Library
-
- Little Free Library Charter #48540
- 511 S. Main St., Davidson, NC 28036
- Little Free Library Charter #48540
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!
Promising Pages is a nonprofit organization that collects new and donated books and shares them with children living in the Charlotte Area Book Desert: those with few, if any, books at home. Check the website for a list of acceptable conditions and types, then drop off your books in the Promising Pages South End Donation Bin across the street from 204 E. Peterson Dr., Charlotte, NC 28217. For a full list of other donation sites, check out their website.
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library also accepts gently used books at their main branch, 310 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202. Visit their website for more information on book donation protocols.
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:
-
- Main Street Books, 126 S. Main St., Davidson, NC 28036
- See more on Facebook
- Main Street Books, 126 S. Main St., Davidson, NC 28036
-
- Editions Coffee Shop & Bookstore, 217 S. Main St., Kannapolis, NC 28081
-
- Walls of Books, 20920 Torrence Chapel Rd., Suite B-6, Cornelius, NC 28031
- See more on Facebook
- Walls of Books, 20920 Torrence Chapel Rd., Suite B-6, Cornelius, NC 28031
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…
-
- International House
- International House is a nonprofit dedicated to helping immigrants and international culture thrive in our community. Visit their website to learn about their education and literacy programs, including Adult English Classes and Rising Readers, and to explore all the various ways you can volunteer and give support.
- The Learning Collaborative
- The Learning Collaborative (TLC) provides a tuition free, high quality preschool education through a unique partnership with students, families, parents, staff, and community. Their vision is that children and parents working together can overcome at-risk beginnings through early educational intervention, paving the way for success in kindergarten and beyond, inspiring a love of learning, confidence in themselves, and hope for the future. View all the ways you can make a difference through volunteering or other support here.
- International House
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!