The East Salem Rotary Club has teamed up with Book Bin for its annual book drive, a community effort to stock the club’s 14 little libraries that serve neighborhoods across east Salem. The drive runs through the end of September and targets a goal of 400 donated books.
Why the drive matters
Co‑chair Catherine Carlson says the little libraries are “heavily used,” circulating 400 to 500 books each month. “Our goal is to increase literacy so students are ready for kindergarten and continue to improve their reading skills by reading at grade level as they progress toward graduation,” she wrote.
The initiative began in 2020 when schools and public libraries closed, leaving students without a free place to browse and borrow books. By placing small, free‑standing libraries near parks, churches, schools and apartment complexes, the Rotary Club gives families convenient access to reading material.
How donations work
Book Bin displays a selection of English titles and bilingual English/Spanish books that shoppers can purchase as donations. Those books are then delivered to the little libraries. “We know children who are not native English speakers need to learn to read in their native language as they also progress in reading in English,” Carlson explained.
Donors can buy books at Book Bin and leave them at the store for pickup. “We very much appreciate the opportunity to partner with the Book Bin for our book drive,” Carlson added.
Locations of the little libraries
The 14 libraries are strategically placed in high‑traffic, family‑friendly spots, including:
- Boys & Girls Club Swegle Branch
- Boys & Girls Club Epping Homestead Branch
- East Salem Community Center
- Oregon Child Development Coalition / Redeemer Lutheran Church
- New Harvest Church
- Northgate Park (two libraries)
- Oregon Department of Human Services Self‑Sufficiency Office
- Seymour Center for Children & Families
- Church at the Park Managed Micro Village site: Catholic Community Services
- Academy Street/Highland Neighborhood
- Cornerstone Apartments
- The REC: Grange: Keizer
These sites are chosen for their accessibility to children and families, eliminating the need for extensive advertising.
Community impact
Rotary’s little libraries provide free, convenient reading material for families, supporting early literacy—a cornerstone of strong families and thriving neighborhoods. By focusing on bilingual resources, the program also respects the cultural and linguistic diversity of Salem’s residents.
Local volunteers and donors are encouraged to contribute before the drive closes at the end of the month. For more information, contact the East Salem Rotary Club or visit the Book Bin.
Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.
