I just dropped off some books that my child "outgrew". What a wonderfully simple idea of getting books into children's hands in a place where they have time to read.
I became a volunteer when a teacher I know shared a story from her classroom about a young boy who never had the book the class was reading. One day he came to class very excited and had a copy of one of the books in the reading list. When the teacher looked, it had the "Laundromat Library League" sticker. She said it completely changed that students' outlook and he became much more engaged in the class.
It is also refreshing to be a part of a group where all the donations go directly to users. The books help young people to become excited about reading.
The Laundromat Library League encourages children and their caregivers to select a book to read together and then take the book(s) home. They don't need to return the books or bring a book to exchange because the goal is to get books into the homes of children who may own few books. Over 500 enthusiastic volunteers support over 200 sites throughout the U.S.
I have been a volunteer with the LLL since the beginning. There are so many ways that individuals and organizations can support the LLL: from organizing book drives, to delivering books to Laundromats. To date, we have nearly 80 participating Laundromats in the Delaware Valley and across the USA! Getting books into the hands of children to encourage lifelong learning is such a simple concept and with the incredible network of volunteer we have, we are able to touch the lives of children who might not have access to books at home. For more info, visit www.laundromatlibraryleague.org
The Laundromat Library League (LLL) is amazing. LLL asks only for a volunteer (an individual or group) to get permission from the owner of the laundromat to place a box of children's books in the laundromat, and then to refresh the box twice a month. No meetings! It's so flexible. LLL provides the books! Please join us - find more information at http://laundromatlibraryleague.org
This simple idea has caught on and the number of volunteers and laundromats increases all the time. It has gone from a small local group to something that is nationwide. The reason for this success is that is can be easily implemented by anyone who is interested in literacy and is able to contact a laundromat for permission to place a box of books. The box and the books are supplied by the LLL (Laundromat Library League). The volunteer just needs to check on the box and replenish the supply. Very satisfying for volunteers, and very effective work being done.
This amazing organization provides English and Spanish books for children at laundromats in several states, serving populations that might not otherwise be exposed to books and reading at an early age. The books are free for the kids and their parents, a wonderful surprise for laundromat customers. If you don't have one in your town, you can start one! It's a great organization, spreading over the country!