Libraries Without Borders - USA

Nearly 22 million people live in mobile home parks, which represent the largest sector of non-subsidized, affordable housing in the country. Residents of these communities often include single mothers and recent immigrants, young families on limited income, and retirees. With an income half the national average, many of these communities face significant obstacles in accessing the Internet—for work, education, communication, and entertainment. Since 2019, LWB US has helped provide mobile home parks in Minnesota with learning places, giving residents access to reliable information, internet connectivity, and education opportunities.

Park Plaza Cooperative

In 2019, LWB US started to work with the Park Plaza Cooperative in Fridley, MN to turn a storm shelter into a connected learning place. Today, the storm shelter is a community hub where residents of all ages participate in digital literacy workshops, receive critical health and nutrition information, and access legal support. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, LWB US partnered with the Anoka County Library to create a computer lending library and bring virtual story time and adult ESL classes to the community.  

Hillcrest Community Cooperative

In 2021, LWB US began working with board members and residents at Hillcrest Community Cooperative in Clarks Grove, MN to assess the community’s needs and improve access to technology and library services. LWB US has partnered with Albert Lea Public Library to create virtual story time, a hotspot lending program, and a back-to-school computer give-away. LWB US began a capital campaign to raise funds for a build out of Hillcrest Community Cooperative’s storm shelter.