Bringing Books and Hope

How a Community Program is Fueling Early Literacy

By Deanna Lyles, Early Care and Education Specialist

In my role as an Early Care and Education Specialist, I often see firsthand how tight budgets are for our local child care centers and medical practices. When funding for new books is tight—or even nonexistent—resourcefulness becomes essential. My latest mission was to secure gently used books for a child care center and a local pediatric office. 

I was thrilled to find exactly what was needed at Anna's Books. 

The Impact of a Single Visit 

I recently visited Anna's Books and was able to pick up four boxes of books, and this one stop will make a significant impact for the child care center; These books will boost their early literacy resources, supporting the children's development and helping the center work toward achieving its highest star quality rating.  

Additionally, the pediatric medical practice will now have books available to offer to patients and families, promoting literacy in the home—a critical factor in a child's success. The ability of Anna's Books to step in and meet these needs when there were absolutely no extra funds for children's books is nothing short of inspiring. 

More Than Just a Book Bank: A Lasting Legacy 

Anna’s Books is a completely free program dedicated to getting books into the hands of kids. It is a powerful legacy born from the life of Anna Williams—an educator, mother, and book lover who left us too soon. 

What began as a single annual event has grown into a community book bank that is doing incredible work, including: 

• Building elementary school libraries. 

• Providing free books for the community. 

• Working with donors to secure funding for teachers. 

• Stocking numerous free little libraries around the county. 

They truly are "children's book ninjas"! 

For the Anna's Books family and their community, October 30 is a hard day, marking the anniversary of Anna’s passing. Yet, they find hope in the fact that nearly 100,000 books, all bearing her name, have been distributed free of charge. Twelve years later, Anna is still seen, still making a difference, and is a vital part of her community's story. 

It was an honor to be a part of their busy day, alongside a student who stopped by to say she had been reading and the "little library book ninjas" restocking their neighborhood libraries. Every book they distribute is lovingly done and keeps Anna's generous spirit alive. 

Anna’s Books proves that with dedication and heart, one person's legacy can ensure that resourcefulness and love for reading thrive in a community. 

Information regarding Anna's Books' mission and community impact was sourced, in part, from their official Facebook page. 

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Learn more: Anna’s books | Early Care and Education