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 Shenandoah 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!
SHENANDOAH 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.”
Shenandoah Valley Little Free Libraries
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- Sherwood Ave. Library
- 314 Sherwood Ave., Staunton, VA 24401
- Sherwood Ave. Library
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- Little Free Library Charter #8171
- 437 E. Wolfe St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802
- Little Free Library Charter #8171
- Little Laundry Library, Grottoes Laundromat
- 301 Aspen Ave., Grottoes, VA 24441
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 Friends of the Augusta County Library accept good-condition books that are either added to the library’s collection or sold to raise necessary funds. Check the website for more info and drop off books at these locations:
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- Fishersville Library: 1759 Jefferson Hwy., Fishersville, VA 22939
- Churchville Library: 3714 Churchville Ave., Churchville, VA 24421
The Massanutten Regional Library also accepts gently used books at 174 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801. Visit their website to learn about the types of materials accepted. MRL encourages and accepts gifts with the understanding that all gifts of materials become the property of the library whether or not they are added to the collection.
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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- Pufferbellies Toys & Books, 15 W. Johnson St., Staunton, VA 24401
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- Stone Soup Books, 150 Race Ave., Waynesboro, VA 22980
- See more on Instagram
- Stone Soup Books, 150 Race Ave., Waynesboro, VA 22980
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- Green Valley Book Fair, 2192 Green Valley Ln., Mt. Crawford, VA 22841
- See more on Facebook
- Green Valley Book Fair, 2192 Green Valley Ln., Mt. Crawford, VA 22841
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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- Learn English and Reading Now (LEARN)
- Learn English and Reading Now is an adult literacy organization that provides free tutoring in English literacy skills in the Augusta County area. Their mission is to increase opportunities for adults in the community through literacy. Click here to become a tutor, volunteer, or donate.
- Skyline Literacy
- Skyline Literacy provides needs-based instruction for adults in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County in literacy, English, and citizenship, using trained volunteers. Their goal is a community where adults are empowered by literacy skills to be self-sufficient and to participate in the workforce, education and civic affairs. Visit their website to learn more about volunteering to support their mission.
- Creative Writing at JMU
- Aspiring writers should check out James Madison University’s acclaimed creative writing program and poetry center. The mission of JMU Creative Writing is to prepare students to be able to convey emotions and messages through language and the written word.
- Learn English and Reading Now (LEARN)
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!