The Richmond 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 Richmond 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!

 

RICHMOND 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.”

Richmond Little Free Libraries

• • Chimborazo Playground Little Free Library
    • 29th & E. Grace St., Richmond, VA 23223

• • The Bookmarks for Bookworms Library
    • 5308 Riverside Dr., Richmond, VA 23225

• • Oregano Books Little Free Library
    • 3062 Forest Hill Ave., Richmond, VA 23225

 

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 Children’s Book Bank at the Children’s Museum of Richmond exists to put as many books as possible into the hands and lives of children in need. By providing opportunities for children to read and be read to, the Book Bank program supports school readiness and literacy development in children. Drop off age-appropriate books at 2626 West Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220 (Mondays only) or contact Krista Dawson at [email protected] to schedule an appointment.

The Friends of the Richmond Public Library also accept gently used books. Twice a year the Friends host a “Drive-Thru” Book Drive at the rear loading dock of Main Library (101 E. Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23219). In addition, you may donate at any time by bringing your items to the Circulation Desk at Main Library or any branch with a Daily Book Sale area. Get more info and fill out a donation form here.

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:

• • Chop Suey Books, 2913 West Cary St., Richmond VA
    • See more on Facebook and Instagram

• • Book People, 536 Granite Ave. #A, Richmond, VA 23226
    • See more on Facebook and Instagram

• • Fountain Books, 1312 E. Cary St., Richmond, VA 23219
    • See more on Facebook and Instagram

• • The Little Bookshop, 1318 Sycamore Square, Midlothian, VA 23113
    • See more on Facebook and Instagram

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…

• • Virginia Literacy Foundation
    • The Virginia Literacy Foundation (VLF) provides funding and technical support to private, volunteer literacy organizations throughout Virginia via challenge grants, training, and direct consultation. These community-based literacy organizations teach adults who read at or below basic literacy levels with one-on-one instruction and small group tutoring. The VLF also works in partnership with public and private organizations to improve literacy with individuals and in the workplace, and to provide professional development training and research-based promising practices for programs and staff. Learn more about all the ways your donation can make a difference.
  • Read to Them
    • Read to Them educates families and schools on the benefits and importance of reading aloud at home. A growing body of research describes the complex and permanent effects of reading aloud. Children who are read to learn to read more easily and become better readers. Literacy skills provide the basis for a lifetime of learning and productivity. Their programs encourage and enable reading together at home by providing every school with tools, resources, guidance, and support. Visit their website to support their mission.

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!