We believe the joy of reading is the foundation for lifelong learning.
"Good reads" by C. VanHook is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Our Purpose
Founded in 2012, the Little Hands Book Bank collects new and gently-used children’s books in the North Texas community. Books are cleaned and sorted into starter libraries, which are given to preschool children from lower-income families through local partner organizations that emphasize education, reading-readiness and family literacy.
“I've always loved books, and I started reading to my son when he was a baby. I wanted to make sure the books he outgrew would go to children that really needed them."
— Jennifer Little, Mother, Reader, Founder
Photo by Annie Spratt is licensed under CC0 1.0
Our Mission
The Little Hands Book Bank was created to give all children the opportunity to experience the joy of reading.
68%
of American fourth graders do not read at a proficient level
1 in 6
children who do not read at age level by third grade do not graduate from high school
80%
of U.S. families did not buy or read a book in the last year
On average, children in economically depressed communities have 0-2 age-appropriate books in their homes. In 61% of low-income families, there are no books at all for children in the home. Access to books and printed materials is a key factor in improving reading performance and literacy development.
Without books and basic language skills, children entering kindergarten start school at an academic disadvantage that can follow them throughout their school years and potentially their lifetimes.
Photo by C. VanHook is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Get Involved
Are you a member of an organization or business that could host a book donation drive? Are you interested in volunteering to help clean and sort books? Do you have gently-used books that your children have outgrown?