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 Wilmington 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!
WILMINGTON LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES
You may have seen these sweet little boxes popping up around Wilmington. 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.”
Wilmington Little Free Libraries
-
- Carolina Beach Recreation Center Little Free Library
- 1121-B N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach, NC 28428
- Carolina Beach Recreation Center Little Free Library
-
- Wesley Memorial UMC Little Free Library
- 1401 S. College Rd., Wilmington, NC 28403
- Wesley Memorial UMC Little Free Library
-
- Little Free Library Charter #99894
- 40 Ravenswood Rd., Hampstead, NC 28443
- Little Free Library Charter #99894
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 Cape Fear Literacy Council accepts gently loved books. The sale of donated books in their virtual bookshop supports adult reading, math, computer, and English as a Second Language programs. Your used book that sells for $20 can provide a new skill book for an adult learner. Check out which books are in high demand and drop them off at 1012 S. 17th St., Wilmington, NC 28401, Building A.
The New Hanover County Public Library also accepts gently used books at the following locations. Visit their website to make a mandatory appointment to donate your books.
-
- Northeast Regional Library: 1241 Military Cutoff Rd., Wilmington, NC 28405
- Pine Valley Library: 3802 S. College Rd., Wilmington, NC 28412
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:
-
- Pomegranate Books, 4418 Park Ave., Wilmington, NC 28403
- See more on Facebook
- Pomegranate Books, 4418 Park Ave., Wilmington, NC 28403
-
- Island Book Shop, 100 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach, NC 28428
- See more on Facebook
- Island Book Shop, 100 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach, NC 28428
-
- Memory Lane Comics, 201 Princess St., Wilmington, NC 28401
-
- Old Books on Front Street, 249 N. Front St., Wilmington, NC 28401
- See more on Instagram
- Old Books on Front Street, 249 N. Front St., Wilmington, NC 28401
-
- Papercut Books, 200 Market St Unit 100, Wilmington, NC 28401
-
- McAllister & Solomon Used Books, 4402-1 Wrightsville Ave Wilmington, NC 28403
-
- Pelican Book Store, 1780 Chandlers Ln, Unit 10 Sunset Beach, NC 28468
- See more on Facebook
- See more on Facebook
- Pelican Book Store, 1780 Chandlers Ln, Unit 10 Sunset Beach, NC 28468
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…
-
- Cape Fear Literacy Council
- The mission of Cape Fear Literacy Council is to provide personalized education so adults can transform their lives and contribute to a stronger community. Their literacy programs rely on volunteer power to make a difference in the lives of adult learners in the Cape Fear region. Sign up today to make a difference.
- Smart Start New Hanover County
- Smart Start New Hanover County shares with the other citizens of New Hanover County a common concern for and commitment to the welfare and future success of our youngest children. As part of a statewide early childhood Initiative, Smart Start of New Hanover County serves as a local leader in developing a comprehensive, collaborative approach to serve the needs of all children, birth to 5, in New Hanover County. Contact 910-815-3731 or [email protected] to ask about volunteer opportunities.
- Wilmington and the surrounding area is full of nonprofits and resources for families and children. Kure Beach Ocean Front Park, plus area libraries, museums, and some bookstores frequently host in-person and virtual storytelling. It’s a positive and fun experience for the whole family!
- Cape Fear 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!