By Derrick Herndon
Brentwood Neighborhood Association

It would be hard to understate the importance of reading and the impact on children during their developmental years. Children who read, especially on their own without prompting, are less likely to struggle in reading comprehension, grammar, spelling and vocabulary. There is ample evidence that improving access to books facilitates a greater amount of reading.

Children in the Brentwood neighborhood now have another source of books only a few feet from their front door, thanks to the Madison Reading Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing literacy rates for children. Rowan Childs, founder and executive director for the project, recently reached out to the Brentwood neighborhood with the idea of placing a Little Free Library on one of the properties there. While there are several such libraries in Brentwood, there were none in the northeast portion where a large number of children live.

Childs brought the idea to Bill Levy of PMM LLC, which manages properties in the Brentwood Neighborhood. They worked with the Brentwood Neighborhood Association to find a location that allowed the greatest amount of access. Recognizing that both adults and children could benefit from the libraries, a plan was developed to install two Little Free Libraries  — one for adults and another for children — at the corner of Trailsway Street and Monterey Drive.

During planning, we decided it would be best to have them built locally. A little research revealed a local builder named Nickolas Ashley, who owns Mother Earth Organic Lawn Care and More. Ashley works with his father, George, to provide little libraries to those who want them. George builds them and Nickolas installs them. The Brentwood Neighborhood Association coordinated with Nickolas to build the libraries, PMM LLC provided the funding, and the Madison Reading Project supplied the books.

The libraries were installed on an unusually mild November day and mulch and flowers

were added. While completing the installation, a school bus pulled up and children poured out. When I explained what these little houses on posts were, the children became excited, began pulling books from the libraries, and then disappeared into their homes. It was heartening to see the libraries have such an immediate impact.

The Madison Reading Project will continue to ensure that the libraries remain stocked. Of course, if you’re ever in the area and see some space, feel free to add to our little libraries. Have a seat on the nearby bench and enjoy the view of Warner Park. Chances are you may end up with a little company who wants to sit and read with you.

For more information on The Madison Reading Project, visit madisonreadingproject.com