Little Free Library, a nonprofit based in Hudson, Wisconsin, United States was awarded for contribution to global literacy from the World Literacy Foundation. The Little Free Library was awarded for its significant contribution to global literacy. The announcement was made today at the World Literacy Summit.
Little Free Library aims to inspire a love of reading, builds community and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world. It is reported that two out of three children living in poverty have no books to call their own, and children growing up in homes without books are on average three years behind children in homes with lots of books. The library aims to fill these book deserts by placing libraries where they can make a big impact through the Impact Library Program. Proudly recording over 100,000 book-sharing boxes in over 100 countries around the world, Little Free Library helps to exchange millions of books annually.
770 million people cannot read a single word, while another 2 billion people struggle to read a full sentence. Illiteracy is a global crisis, and the World Literacy Foundation aims to educate people on the benefit of acquiring even basic literacy skills. The cycle begins with a child struggling to read, professing into an adult who struggles with literacy and as a result becomes a victim of issues relating to unemployment, welfare, crime, and well-being.
Andrew Kay, CEO of the World Literacy Foundation, explains that this award aims to celebrate the work and impact of Little Free Library around the globe. Mr. Kay said, “In the current crisis, literacy has never been more important with the disadvantaged children lacking access to books and educational resources. Today, 91% of children are not currently attending school.”