Little Free Library Received for National Family Literacy Month

Sally Anne Lawson (educator), Ella Morrison, Tracy E. Lewis (library’s artist), Ben Morrison, Bobby Wells (library’s builder), Amy Shaver and Jeremy Lawson – Photo by Sadie Lewis

In celebration of National Family Literacy Month in November, H&R Block of Dandridge did their part by kicking in and helping punch illiteracy out of Jefferson County. Franchise owner, Jeremy Lawson, has chartered and mapped the first Little Free Library in Dandridge and students at Love 2 Learn Academy are among the first to enjoy this public bookshelf.

Since the 2009 establishment of Little Free Library, more than 100,000 registered libraries have been chartered in 108 countries. The Little Free Library movement started up during the Great Recession, at a time when massive unemployment threatened many communities’ access to books. It seems just as important today, as the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many libraries and bookstores to change the way they do business and interact with the public.

Little Free Library understands “Children growing up in homes without books are on average three years behind.” What will that mean during a pandemic, when access to books is even more scarce?

The sponsorship of this library comes at a great time! As families spend more time at home, they are encouraged to get into good reading habits to help their children develop a love of books, which builds bonds, supports early writing and reading skills, enhances vocabulary, and prepares children for school success.

Amy Shaver, founder of Love 2 Learn Academy, knows the importance of reading to little ones and the donation of this Little Free Library holds an extra special meaning for her.

Love 2 Learn (L2L) Academy was opened in May 2017. They provide an in-home preschool for small groups. The academy is for children ages 3-5 years old. L2L Academy gives children a hands-on approach to preschool and they operate alongside the Jefferson County Schools System’s calendar. L2L also offers one-on-one tutoring and summer camps for ages 4-12.

“This Little Library means so much to me.” Shaver shared. “I love the idea of giving children of my community the availability to endless books as this pandemic continues. My mom, Wanda Taylor, loved to read to me. Her dream was to write a children’s book. She passed away in June of this year. She would have been so proud to know this library was dedicated to her memory. I am so thankful to those who made this gift possible.”

Experts suggest reading aloud for a half hour each day to children, in any language. If you can’t set aside a half hour all at once, read a little at a time throughout the day. Reading almost anything out loud is good for children!

Love 2 Learn Academy’s Little Free Library is located at 1208 Sellers Road in Dandridge. Members of the community are invited to stop by and “Take a book. Share a book.”