ENP Blog

ENP’s Little Free Library Initiative

One of the biggest challenges for low-income families with regard to literacy is the lack of access to books in the household.

61% of low-income families have no books at all in their homes for their children. That includes children and adult books! What we know is that the only measure that correlates significantly with reading scores is the number of books in the home. An analysis of a national dataset of nearly 100,000 United States school children found that access to printed materials—not poverty—is the “critical variable affecting reading acquisition.”

This is not just a home issue, but a neighborhood issue. One study found that in middle-income neighborhoods the ratio is 13 books per child; in low-income neighborhoods, that ratio is one book for every 300 children. [1]

Little Free Libraries play an essential role by providing 24/7 access to books (and encouraging a love of reading!) in areas where books are scarce.

Every Neighborhood Partnership (ENP) was started over 10 years ago. Inspired by The Well’s partnership with Susan B. Anthony Elementary, ENP had the goal of creating church-to-school partnerships for every elementary school in Fresno. Currently, we have 52 such partnerships. As we consider how the church of Fresno/Clovis can change a generation, we believe helping every kid learn to read is one of the best investments we can make.

Along with our Literacy Mentoring Program, Little Free Libraries are one of the many ways we are working to do this!

In this guide, we will lay out options for acquiring a library, stocking your library, and building community support. We will rely heavily on content from littlefreelibrary.org. Enjoy!

ENP Little Free Library Initiative

andrewfeil

Andrew Feil is a dedicated professional with a profound commitment to community transformation. As the Executive Director of Every Neighborhood Partnership (ENP), Andrew is at the forefront of activating, equipping, and mobilizing community members, organizations, and institutions to drive positive change in Fresno. A devoted husband to Denise Feil and a father of four boys, Andrew and his family call the vibrant Tower District of Fresno home. Beyond his leadership role at ENP, Andrew serves as adjunct faculty at Fresno Pacific University in the School of Humanities, Religion, and Social Sciences, bringing his wealth of experience to the academic sphere. Andrew's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from Fresno Pacific University and a Master's degree from Bakke Graduate University in Social and Civic Entrepreneurship. His diverse skill set, honed through years of experience, positions him as a dynamic force in community development. Having transitioned from the role of Associate Director in 2015 to Executive Director in 2020, Andrew provides strategic leadership direction for ENP. He oversees the organization's partnerships, finances, and operations, ensuring its continued success in fostering positive community impact. Passionate about leveraging existing community assets, Andrew envisions a future where everyone possesses the ability to be decision-makers, contributing to the creation of healthy and thriving neighborhoods. In addition to his professional pursuits, Andrew enjoys staying active, gardening, indulging in literary pursuits, and supporting the Los Angeles Dodgers and Liverpool Reds.

andrewfeilENP’s Little Free Library Initiative

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