Little Free Library Celebrates Milestone 100,000th Library

In recognition of this landmark, LFL nonprofit organization will donate 100 Little Free Library book-sharing boxes to schools, community centers and other sites that serve children

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Little Free Library

Mar 11, 2020, 15:34 ET

HUDSON, Wis., March 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Little Free Library® (LFL) today unveiled its 100,000th book-sharing box, which was donated to the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans (AAMA) in Houston. To celebrate this milestone, LFL is granting 100 Little Free Library boxes to sites that will create greater book access for children.

Preschool students visit the 100,000th Little Free Library book-sharing box, located at AAMA in Houston. The Little Free Library nonprofit organization is donating an additional 100 little libraries to sites that will increase book access for children.

The 100,000th Little Free Library, found at AAMA's outreach center at 204 Clifton Street, joins LFL's global network. Since the first Little Free Library book-sharing box was created in 2009, they have been established in all 50 U.S. states and 108 countries.

"Reaching today's 100,000 Little Free Library milestone is a testament to the worldwide network of passionate volunteer stewards who support book access," said LFL Executive Director Greig Metzger. "Through their efforts, over 36 million books will be shared this year. Book access is the foundation of literacy development, which in turn provides for healthy, engaged and prosperous communities. We are honored to support that global effort."

AAMA, which is marking 50 years of serving Latino families this year, received the 100,000th Little Free Library via LFL's Impact Library Program, a donor-driven initiative that places little libraries in underserved areas. The library features the artwork of award-winning illustrator John Parra from the book Little Libraries, Big Heroes. In addition to the library, AAMA will receive free English- and Spanish-language books for a year, provided by learning company Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH).

"The impact that the Little Free Library will have on the students, clients and families we serve is truly incredible," said Joe Jimenez, President and CEO of AAMA. "What better way to support literacy than through a hands-on approach that this library will provide? It will enable us to forge partnerships with our community and the parents, thereby playing a critical role in their development as an educated family unit."

The launch ceremony of the special Little Free Library included a ribbon-cutting, story time with Miss Houston, free books for preschool students in attendance, and remarks from Jimenez and Metzger, including the announcement of the 100 Little Free Library giveaway. Separate from the event, Mayor Sylvester Turner declared March 11, 2020 "Little Free Library Day" in Houston.

Little Free Library invites sites that serve children in the U.S. and Canada—such as schools, community centers and public libraries—to apply to receive one of 100 Little Free Library book-sharing boxes at LittleFreeLibrary.org/lfl-100. Each library will include a starter set of children's books provided by HMH. The application is open until April 11.

"We want these libraries to reach organizations that help a critical constituency: children and their families in book deserts," said Metzger. "The data is clear; books in children's hands accelerate and strengthen reading skills. Little Free Library wants to continue to be a catalyst for learning success."

About Little Free Library: Little Free Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that inspires a love of reading, builds community, and improves book access by fostering neighborhood book-exchange boxes around the world. LFL has received recognition from the Library of Congress, National Book Foundation and others for its dedication to expanding book access for all. Through the 100,000 Little Free Library book-sharing boxes worldwide, an estimated 165 million books have been shared. To learn more, visit LittleFreeLibrary.org.

About AAMA: AAMA was established in 1970 as the Association for the Advancement of Mexican-Americans. The mission of AAMA is to inspire and empower Latinos to pursue their potential and achieve success. Learn more at aama.org.

About HMH: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is a learning company committed to delivering connected solutions that engage learners, empower educators and improve student outcomes. For more information, visit hmhco.com.

Media Contact: Margret Aldrich, 612-203-6856, [email protected]

SOURCE Little Free Library