Our Programs / #EverybodyReads
A community movement
A community united around reading. A library at the center. A movement that lasts.
#EverybodyReads unites municipalities, public libraries, schools, healthcare systems, cultural institutions, civic organizations, and families around a shared commitment: ensuring everyone — especially those who have been systematically excluded — has access to books, reading, and the transformative power of libraries.
Access to books is deeply stratified by income, geography, and race.
of low-income families have no children’s books at home
one age-appropriate book per 300 children in under-resourced neighborhoods
of Black fourth graders in Virginia read below basic level
adults in the Richmond metro area lack basic literacy skills
The library is the connector
Every partner. Every program. Every book access point. All roads lead back to the public library as a permanent community resource.
ACCESS
Books present everywhere — always connected to the library.
Community spaces: WIC offices, pediatric clinics, laundromats, barbershops, housing developments, rec centers
Schools: every student has a library card and knows how to use it
Homes: books for children to own, building home libraries
Cultural spaces: museums and civic institutions as reading ambassadors
ACCESSIBILITY
Removing barriers — with the library as the welcoming destination.
Training bridge-builders: healthcare providers, social workers, coaches, and faith leaders incorporate books into their work
Engaging families: caregiver workshops with library orientation built in
Culturally affirming materials: every child sees themselves as a reader
Zero-barrier design: no registration, address, or internet required
This isn’t a program delivered to a community — it’s a movement the community builds together, from the mayor’s office to the barbershop.
Mayor’s office, public library system, school district, parks & rec, housing authority
Museums, historical societies, arts organizations, faith communities, service organizations
WIC offices, pediatric clinics, Head Start, Judy Centers, family support programs
Barbershops, laundromats, cafes, corporate partners, community foundations, youth programs
LWB US doesn’t own #EverybodyReads — your community does. We serve as catalyst and capacity-builder. Our goal is sustainability: we succeed when your community no longer needs us.
Stakeholder mapping, deep library partnership, community focus groups, and a collaborative coalition design session.
A customized program mix, partner training, a World Book Day launch (April 23), and a measurement framework.
Knowledge transfer, coalition self-governance, and the library positioned as the permanent anchor.
Explore how #EverybodyReads could unite your community around reading. The first step is a conversation.
