It can be expensive to build a home library for children while their interests and reading levels are constantly changing. Fortunately, multiple nonprofits offer opportunities to grow your little one’s love of reading without any extra cost.
Discover fun things to do with the family
Subscribe to the St. Louis Family newsletter for family-friendly things to do and news for local parents, sent every Monday.
The Novel Neighbor, an independent bookstore in Webster Groves, created The Noble Neighbor nonprofit in 2019 to bring authors and their books to underserved schools in St. Louis and nearby districts. Holland Saltsman, the bookstore owner and nonprofit founder, says her team hopes that by the end of this year they’ll have welcomed more than 100 authors and given away 25,000 books.
In collaboration with donors and school leadership, the nonprofit finds a way to cover the costs of an author visit and free books for students. Interested schools may apply online at thenobleneighbor.org/educators. Most of the traveling authors are those of children’s books, making this program best-suited for kindergarten through fifth-grade classes.
The nonprofit Book Book Go is based in Warson Woods, Missouri, but takes its mission on the road throughout St. Louis and surrounding school districts. The organization’s Book Bus pulls up to partner schools and kids’ camps at a scheduled time, and students are invited inside to browse the mini library and take home a free book. Thanks to grants, foundation gifts, and other donations, the organization has given away 100,000 books since 2015 and “strives to choose books that mirror the communities we serve.”
The program prioritizes second and third graders because, “If you’re not reading by third grade, it’s a lot harder to catch up,” executive director Michael Shipley says. He encourages interested educators and administrators to call 314-494-3151 or email [email protected] to discuss eligibility for a book giveaway.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
You might be familiar with Dolly Parton’s philanthropic spirit, but did you know 1 in 7 children across the U.S. receive a free book from the country superstar’s nonprofit every month? Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails age-appropriate books to registered children from birth through age 5. “For example, children born in 2023 will receive board books with minimal text focusing on nurture and attachment, whereas a child born in 2018 will receive a softcover picture book, covering more complex concepts.”
The books come at no cost to families, thanks to funding from local affiliates and partners. Parents and guardians may register online at imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability.
The Believe Projects, an initiative of the nonprofit St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature, builds interest, confidence, and joy in all young readers but focuses on children of color in prekindergarten through third grade. It does this through a few activities, including author visits in schools and in community venues like public libraries and museums. Each Believer, or child in the program, is given a free copy of the book being presented.
The nonprofit also partners with St. Louis’ Metro Theater Company to connect students with performance art and literature in one event. Believers receive a free book that matches the theme of the performance.
To keep up with the nonprofit’s initiatives, follow St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature on Facebook or Instagram, or reach out to [email protected].
St. Louis and St. Louis County Public Libraries
Maybe this one seems obvious–that families can find free books at public libraries–but you usually have to bring them back. However, participation in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program at St. Louis Public Library or the St. Louis County Library gives children a motivating opportunity to build their own library at home for free.
Designed to make the most of those early developmental years, the program instructs caregivers to read with little ones and track progress in a paper log or app. Print, digital, and audiobooks all count toward the goal, as well as repetition of the same book. After every 100 books, visit any public library branch to claim a prize, which is often a free book but varies depending on whether you’re in the city or county library system. Registration remains open in-person and online at slpl.org and slcl.org.
