Little Free Library
What is a Little Free Library?
At Paper Leaves, we know that not everyone has easy access to books—whether it's because of cost or simply not having a bookstore nearby. That’s why we love Little Free Libraries. They make it easy for anyone in the community to pick up a book and add it to their home libraries—no strings attached.
We always encourage the idea of “Take a book, share a book,” but we also understand that not everyone can give back right away. And that’s okay. What matters most is getting books into the hands of people who want to read them. Through Little Free Libraries, we're helping to spark a love of reading and grow a new generation of book lovers.
Why is Book Ownership so Important?
A child who owns a book is six times more likely to read above their expected reading level, compared to their peers who don't own any books. Our mission is not just about improving literacy skills, but also about enhancing cognitive abilities, fostering empathy, self-awareness, confidence, and creativity. People, especially children, are empowered when the opportunity to discover a suitable book to read isn't limited by time, space, or privilege. A study by Social Science Research found that a home library has a positive impact on children's future academic growth, proving that books are not just a great source of entertainment but also gateways to imagination, knowledge, and opportunities.
How Little Free Libraries Help
Little Free Libraries play a crucial role in increasing reading frequency. They provide greater access to books, as 92% of children reported having more access to books because of Little Free Library book-sharing boxes. Children who visit a Little Free Library read an average of 1.1 additional days per week, and nearly half (49%) reported reading more frequently since they began using a Little Free Library. This increase in reading time is a testament to the positive impact of these initiatives. Lastly, Little Free Libraries offer the opportunity for home library growth. 88% of children said they now keep more books at home, helping them build their libraries.
What is Paper Leaves doing about it?
With the support of the Greater Literacy Foundation, a nonprofit affiliated with Paper Leaves Bookstore, we have been able to build and stock Little Free Libraries at Vita Coffee House, Getzendaner Park, Lee Penn Park, and Waxahachie Sports Complex! Our This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to give the gift of books back to the community and provide a nurturing environment that promotes book ownership and increases access to literature through initiatives such as Little Free Libraries, children’s reading programs, book donations, and community outreach.
Written by Carlie Renee
