The Dyslexia Project’s: Little Free Library Initiative
The founder of the Little Free Library program, Todd H. Bol, was dyslexic, and he built the first one as a tribute to his mother who loved to read. His hope was that making books available in these libraries would help children and adults learn to read.
We have had one of these on our property for many years, and been impressed with the community-building effect they have, with parents, children, students, all members of the neighborhood who enjoy the treasures they find within.
We were inspired to purchase several of these Little Free Libraries and had one donated to us by an educator who no longer lived in an area where it could be used. We are well-aware that books alone are not enough; struggling readers must be taught to read in the way their brains learn.
Brightly colored with our logo colors and featuring an inspirational figure (including Kofi Annan, Cesar Chavez, Maya Angelou, Frederick Douglass, Henry David Thoreau, and Morgan Freeman) on each side—with a quote about literacy in English on one side, Spanish on the other—they contain information about where to learn more about dyslexia and literacy, they were placed with enthusiastic stewards in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, and even in one in Northern California.
As funding and requests continue, we intend to expand this program of outreach to the community and gain visibility for our dyslexia advocacy work, and creating ever-more awareness about supporting strengths and addressing challenges among struggling readers.
STORIES:
Penny
Penny owned The Earthling Bookshop for nearly 25 years. It was a landmark spot in Santa Barbara, a very special community gathering place and the Little Free Library is a natural way for her to share her love of reading and knowledge about dyslexia with the community. She carefully curates a selection of books for residents of her retirement community—and their grandchildren who come to visit.
Two in One
One of our stewards installed this Little Free Library many years ago and asked to have it painted with The Dyslexia Project’s colors to join in the initiative. She then decided to add an additional one, just for children in the neighborhood. Both of them are well-stocked and well-loved.
In Memory
We were pleased to accept the donation of a hand-built Little Free Library created in memory of the father of a county educator who moved to a remote location and could no longer use it. We knew it was a special one and some months later, learned of the very sad passing of a little 12-year-old who loved to read. Her name was Talulah, and we managed to get the library to her father who placed it on the campus where she had attended school. A fitting tribute to a child gone too soon who continues to inspire others to learn to read.
