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 Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill 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!
RALEIGH-DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL 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.”
Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Little Free Libraries
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- The Blue Shed Little Free Library
- 301 Parrish St., Raleigh, NC 27610
- The Blue Shed Little Free Library
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- ARTPOST Little Free Library
- 718 Iredell St., Durham, NC 27705
- ARTPOST Little Free Library
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- Little Free Library Charter #18673
- 406 Westwood Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27516
- Little Free Library Charter #18673
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!
Book Harvest provides an abundance of books and ongoing literacy support to families and their children from birth and serves as a model for communities committed to ensuring that children are lifelong readers and learners. Drop off gently used children’s books in the Book Harvest drop off bin at 2501 University Dr., Ste. 5, Durham, NC 27707, or check out their website for a list of all drop box locations.
Raleigh Rescue Mission is committed to advocating for the children who are in their care. They conduct individual assessments of each child, and tailor counseling and tutoring programs to get them to grade level expectations. Giving a child a chance for success is one of the best ways to begin to break the cycle of homelessness. Drop off boxed book donations at 4700 Capital Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604.
Dog-Eared Books works tirelessly to provide the public with inexpensive quality books to read. Contact [email protected] to inquire about book donations.
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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- Flyleaf Books, 752 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill, NC 27514
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- Quail Ridge Books, 4209-100 Lassiter Mill Rd., Raleigh, NC 27609
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- The Regulator Bookshop, 720 9th St., Durham, NC 27705
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- Letters Bookshop will soon be re-opening at their new location: 116 W. Main St., Durham, NC 27701
- Keep up with their process on Instagram
- Letters Bookshop will soon be re-opening at their new location: 116 W. Main St., Durham, NC 27701
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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- Read and Feed
- Read and Feed works to strengthen literacy skills among underserved elementary school children and provide meals in a nurturing neighborhood environment. Sign up to volunteer as a tutor, driver, or behind the scenes helper to support their mission.
- Durham Literacy Center
- Since 1985, Durham Literacy Center has trained more than 2,500 volunteer tutors who have, in turn, helped empower more than 18,000 Durham residents through literacy. Explore all the ways you can help make a difference.
- Read and Feed
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!