The Community Foundation of Southern Arizona (CFSA) is thrilled to reflect on 8 months of running a Little Free Library called Dog-Eared Books.
What is a Little Free Library?
A Little Free Library is a “take a book, share a book” free book exchange program. Anyone can take a book, books do not need to be returned, and the books are always free. Little Free Libraries work on the honor system; everyone contributes to ensure there are always quality books inside. More than 150,000 Little Free Libraries are located worldwide in over 100 countries.
Dog-Eared Books
Every good library needs a unique name. CFSA’s staff was up to the task when it came time to pick the perfect name. Staff submitted name suggestions and voted on their favorites. Ultimately the staff picked a name that reflects not only our love of reading but our love of our pet-friendly campus (campus buddies!).
Why do Little Free Libraries matter?
CFSA is happy to bring book-joy to our neighborhood! Little Free Libraries play an essential role by providing 24/7 access to books. In the United States, more than 30 million adults cannot read or write above a third-grade level. Studies have repeatedly shown that books in children’s hands have a meaningful impact on improving literacy. The more books in or near the home, the more likely a child will learn and love to read. But two out of three children living in poverty have no books to call their own. Through Little Free Library book exchanges, millions of books are exchanged each year, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds. As a community foundation that supports a large region, it is great to give back to our immediate neighbors with a project that is rooted in kindness.
How to Participate
1. Visit Dog Eared Books! Dog Eared Books is easily accessible on the northwest corner of campus. The next time you visit campus, join the fun and take or leave a book. Our community has embraced our Little Free Library, and CFSA often refills it nearly every week.
2. Download the Dog Eared Books coloring page. Have fun decorating CFSA’s Little Free Library and the inspiration behind the unique name, Buddy!
3. Join the Solutions-Focused Community Book Club. The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona is proud to partner with the Tucson Tome Gnome and Tucson Agenda co-founder Caitlin Schmidt to host these book clubs to bring together the community and spark conversation. We can’t promise we can solve all the world’s (or Southern Arizona’s) problems, but we can connect, learn from each other, and build momentum toward positive change. As a bonus, Dog Eared Books regularly receives donations from participants via a book swap table at each book club event.
4. Donate to the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona’s Field of Interest Impact Funds. These funds offer a simple and effective way to participate in collective impact funding in areas you care about most. Contributions increase the availability of general operating support for our nonprofit partners, enabling them to build the strong and sustainable infrastructure necessary to measurably affect change.
