In an effort to promote literacy and a culture of sharing, Delaware-based nonprofit organization Success Won’t Wait has partnered with New Castle County Council President Monique Johns to install a new bring-one-take-one mini library at the Louis L. Redding City/County Building in Wilmington, Delaware.
The mini library is more than just a collection of books—it’s a space designed to encourage New Castle County employees to read for pleasure, share their favorite titles, and engage in community connection. Much like the model made famous by the Little Free Library movement, the premise is simple: bring a book, take a book.
This project was the result of a collaborative vision between Council President Johns and Susan McNeill, co-founder of Success Won’t Wait. Success Won’t Wait has promoted literacy in Delaware, throughout the region, and across the country for over two decades. And together, the two leaders recognized the importance of making reading materials easily accessible in the workplace.
Reading has the power to relax, inspire, and inform. By making a variety of books available right where people work, it will be easier for county employees to bring reading into their daily routine, whether it’s during a lunch break or while waiting for a meeting to start.
Located in a high-traffic common area inside the Redding Building, the mini library will house an ever-changing selection of titles. From page-turning fiction to thoughtful biographies, practical parenting books to self-help, cookbooks to spiritual guides, the collection is intentionally diverse. The goal is to appeal to a wide variety of reading interests and experiences, creating something that every employee can enjoy and contribute to.
“This mini library is more than just shelves of books—it’s a symbol of our commitment to personal growth, community, and wellness,” said Council President Johns. “We want to create a workplace that encourages lifelong learning, and this is one way we can do that.”
Employees are encouraged not only to take books home to read, but also to bring in gently used books of their own to share with colleagues. This give-and-take system will keep the collection fresh and dynamic, fueled by the interests of those who use it.
Success Won’t Wait provided the initial donation of books to stock the shelves and will continue to monitor and add to the collection, as needed.
This small but meaningful addition to the Redding Building is a reminder that encouraging reading doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes all it takes is a shelf, a few good books, and a shared belief in the power of words!
About Success Won’t Wait
Founded in 2002, Success Won’t Wait is a not-for-profit literacy organization based in Wilmington, Delaware. Want to learn more about Success Won’t Wait’s literacy projects, how to donate used children’s books in Delaware, or volunteer your time? Click on the About Us tab above.
Read now, because success won’t wait!