Big Impact in Small Spaces

Little Free Library book-sharing boxes are part of our effors to improve early literacy and help every child build a strong educational foundation.

Helping Kids Discover the Joy of reading, Right in Their Neighborhoods.

For many of us, books are a part of everyday life. They're stacked on nightstands, packed into backpacks, and handed down from one generation of readers to the next. But for thousands of children across the Space Coast, that’s not reality.

In neighborhoods known as book deserts, children often grow up with little to no access to age-appropriate books at home. Public libraries may be too far away. And late fees or limited hours often make library visits feel out of reach. As a result, many kids miss out on the life-changing power of books.

And it shows. Each summer, students in low-income communities lose an estimated two to three months of reading skills, known as the “summer slide,” simply because they don’t have access to books. By the time they reach fifth grade, those summer learning gaps can add up to three full years of lost progress compared to their peers.

That’s where Little Free Libraries come in. These small, weatherproof book-sharing boxes are placed in neighborhoods where access to books is limited.

These tiny libraries are filled with free, take-home books for children and families. No cards. No fees. No barriers.

“We believe all children should have the chance to build a love of reading, no matter where they live,” said Caron Partridge, United Way Space Coast President. “Since 2016, we’ve been working with local businesses, volunteers, and community groups to build and maintain Little Free Libraries across the Space Coast.”

These libraries may be small, but their impact is big.

“When kids can grab a book on their way home from school or the playground, they’re not just discovering new stories,” Partridge said. “They’re building the vocabulary, imagination, and confidence they need to succeed in school and in life.”

Join the effort!

We’re working to get even more Little Free Libraries stocked in time for summer. This is when kids need them most. You can get involved in several ways:

·         Sponsor a Little Free Library. Partner with United Way Space Coast to install a library in a neighborhood that needs it. We’ll include your name or organization on the box as a proud community sponsor.

·         Become a library steward. Help care for a library near you by checking on it regularly, reporting any maintenance issues, and keeping it filled with fresh books. We’ll provide the books. You bring the local love.

·         Host a book drive. Challenge your book club, workplace, or faith community to collect gently used children’s books. We especially need books for elementary school readers that kids will want to read again and again.

Together, we can make sure every child in Brevard has access to the books that will help them grow, dream, and thrive, all year long.

To sponsor a library, donate books, or become a steward, contact Kaylin Woods at United Way Space Coast, kwoods@uwspacecoast.org, or call 321-615-3246.

Let’s get more books into little hands and build a brighter future, one story at a time.

North Brevard Area

Central Brevard Area

South Brevard Area