Bring a book and take a book! Cincinnati Little Free Libraries are improving child literacy all over the city.
Bring a book and take a book! Cincinnati Little Free Libraries are those little blue boxes you have seen throughout Hamilton County that contain up to 20 books of any genre and for all ages. Anyone can donate books, and anyone can take books at no charge. That’s right. Everything is free, and the program is self-sustaining.
More than 400,000 residents in Greater Cincinnati read below a 4th-grade level. Moreover, although Cincinnati has one of the best public library systems in the United States, many neighborhoods still need a library branch including some communities with the lowest literacy rates in the region. Children in these communities also report that they only sometimes had a book and did not often have books in their homes.
This is why The Literacy Network advocated for the Little Free Library program in Greater Cincinnati. When the program is completed, more than 50 Little Free Libraries will be installed at individual homes, schools, non-profits and other public spaces. The information in this article is as current as the publication date. Please confirm the data before acting.
Little Free Libraries
91 Main Street, 45001
Individual House
Addyston
3650 Warsaw Avenue, 45205
Price Hill Will
East Price Hill
1708 Dexter Avenue, 45206
Individual House
Evanston
3354 Evanston Avenue, 45207
Individual House
Evanston
2675 Civic Center Drive, 45231
Hamilton County Math and Science Center
Mt. Healthy
6421 Corbly Road, 45230
Sands Montessori
Mt. Washington
437 Hopkins Street, 45202
Individual House
West End
5300 Winneste Avenue, 45232
Winton Hills Academy
Winton Hills
More locations will soon be available on The Literacy Network Map.
Related Article: Good books for Black children
Cincinnati Little Free Libraries serve as a conduit to get books into the hands of individuals who need them the most and instill the importance of reading in the community. At any time, and anyone can go to one of these libraries and choose a book to take home and enjoy. The reader may bring the book back or share it with a friend. Â When necessary, The Literacy Network will provide books as needed.
The Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati is recruiting both book donors and Little Free Library Stewards. Book donors can give wants many books as they would like. Call 513-621-7323 (Readers email [email protected]. Books of all reading levels are accepted.
Stewards, caretakers of Little Free Libraries ensure the library is clean, inviting and fully stocked. Persons interested in being stewards can apply online.
Related Article: Books about race, diversity, and inclusion
About the Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati
The Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati (LNGC) is a champion of literacy for individuals, families, workplaces, schools and the community by raising awareness, improving access, and serving as a catalyst for literacy efforts.
LNGC was founded in 1986 and initially served as a referral hotline for adults seeking to earn a GED, learn English, or enroll in basic reading classes.
In 1988, a full-time office was established, and LNGC began acting as a coordinating body for adult literacy agencies. Today, LNGC’s core programs have expanded by developing direct services to help adults and children who are struggling to read.
Related Article: Good books for Black teens
Written by: Crystal Kendrick
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job posting, scholarships and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-270-3880.
Photos provided by Little Free Libraries
