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 New River Valley 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!
NEW RIVER VALLEY 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.”
New River Valley Little Free Libraries
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- Little Free Library Charter #66734
- 100 Draper Rd. NW, Blacksburg, VA 24060
- Little Free Library Charter #66734
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- Little Free Library Charter #68335
- 1900 Grissom Ln., Blacksburg, VA 24060
- Little Free Library Charter #68335
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- Tusen Takk Library
- 1752 Lions Dr., Christiansburg, VA 24073
- Tusen Takk 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!
The Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library loves book donations. Drop off your gently used books at any branch:
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- Blacksburg Library: 200 Miller St., Blacksburg, VA, 24060
- Christiansburg Library: 125 Sheltman St., Christiansburg, VA, 24073
- Jessie Peterman Memorial Library: 321 West Main St., Floyd, VA, 24091
- Meadowbrook Public Library: 267 Alleghany Spring Rd., Shawsville, VA, 24162
The Montgomery County Christmas Store, a non-denominational, all-volunteer, community-wide, nonprofit organization that assists eligible low-income individuals and families in Montgomery County during the Christmas Season by providing a shopping experience characterized by choice and dignity, also accepts book donations at 30 W. Main St., Christiansburg, VA 24073.
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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- Whistle Stop Books, 630 Depot St. NE, Christiansburg, VA 24073
- See more on Facebook
- Whistle Stop Books, 630 Depot St. NE, Christiansburg, VA 24073
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- YMCA Thrift Shop, 1000 N. Main St., Blacksburg, VA 24060
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- Old New River Books — “We’re not a brick & mortar store, we’re a click & order store.”
- See more on Facebook
- Old New River Books — “We’re not a brick & mortar store, we’re a click & order store.”
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 the New River Valley
- LVNRV provides free instruction for adults in basic reading, writing and math; GED preparation; ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages); and basic computer skills. Skill UP NRV is an initiative to help adults achieve employment goals through literacy and language acquisition and employability skill development. LVNRV also provides family literacy programming to give parents the skills to read with their children. Visit the website to learn more about becoming a volunteer reading tutor.
- United Way of the New River Valley
- United Way believes everyone deserves a quality education and opportunities for success in life, from the youngest members of our community to its most senior citizens. Learn more about their educational programs and how you can help on their website.
- Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley
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!