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 Morganton 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!
MORGANTON 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.”
Morganton Little Free Libraries
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- Mountain View Recreation Center
- 645 First St., Morganton, NC 28655
- Mountain View Recreation Center
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- Morganton Day School
- 305 W. Concord St., Morganton, NC 28655
- Morganton Day School
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!
Burke Hospice Thrifts & Gifts is always looking for donations to support Burke Hospice & Palliative Care‘s patient care programs. Drop off books in good condition at 148 Main St. E., Valdese, NC 28690.
Burke County Public Library also accepts gently used books. Check the website for more information on donation policies, and drop your books off at these locations:
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- Valdese Public Library: 213 St. Germain Ave. SE, Valdese, NC 28690
- Morganton Public Library: 204 S. King St., Morganton, NC 28655
- C.B. Hildebrand Public Library: 101B Main Ave. W., Hildebran, NC 28637
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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- Adventure Bound Books, 120 N. Sterling St., Morganton, NC 28655
- See more on Facebook
- Adventure Bound Books, 120 N. Sterling St., Morganton, NC 28655
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- Morganton General Store, 116 W. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655
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- Thornwell Books, 202 S. Sterling St., Morganton, NC 28655
- See more on Facebook
- Thornwell Books, 202 S. Sterling St., Morganton, NC 28655
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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- Burke County Literacy Council
- The Burke Literacy Council is a nonprofit organization with a mission to teach adults and their families to read and/or improve their literacy skills and to instill in all those served a commitment to life-long learning. Visit their website to learn more about becoming a volunteer reading tutor, teach ESL, or provide support.
- Nest Realty Morganton will be hosting our first ever “Drink It Forward” event in collaboration with Catawba Brewing Company from 7 to 10 p.m. on June 18. The band Rated PG will be playing a variety of sounds and Nest Realty will be raising money for the Burke Literacy Council. Nest has a goal to raise at least $300 to donate to the Burke Literacy Council, so we will purchase a set amount of beverages and encourage those who have one of our Nest beverages to make a donation to the Literacy Council. Catawba Brewing Company is located at 212 S. Green St., Morganton.
- The Library Foundation of Burke County
- The Library Foundation’s mission is to support the mission of the Burke County Public Library, to provide public access to information for a diverse community, and to offer lifelong learning opportunities through innovative and educational programming. Learn how you can help online.
- Friends of the Burke County Public Library
- Join the Friends of the Burke County Library to heighten public awareness of library services, to support library staff, to augment services and programs, and to offer volunteers for programs if needed. Learn more about ways to get involved here!
- Burke County Literacy Council
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!
Andrea Kirk
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I have a stack of books looking for their next home! Donated $ to the cause & will donate my books as well
Jasmine Bible
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Awesome!!! We love to hear that, Andrea! We hope you have a wonderful summer of reading!
Leanne Brittain
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Thank you Andrea! You’re the best!