Although the mini library, located at the Louis L. Redding City/County Building in Wilmington, Delaware was just installed in early June, it’s already time for a restock! The books have proven so popular with New Castle County employees, that more were brought in this week to expand the space.

The brainchild of New Castle County Council President Monique Johns (pictured) and Success Won’t Wait co-founder Susan McNeill, the bring-one-take-one mini library was designed to encourage New Castle County employees to read for pleasure, share their favorites, and bond as a community. And, much like the model made famous by the Little Free Library movement, the “bring a book, take a book,” the concept has really caught on!

“The space was designed to make it easier for employees to access reading materials right at work,” says Johns. “By making a variety of books available in the building, it’s simple for employees to add reading into their daily routine.” (Click here for more information about how access to books impacts literacy.)

The mini library is located in a high-traffic common area/break room and includes a wide selection of titles. From the latest fiction from popular authors such as Patterson and Grisham, to educational biographies, to practical relationship, self-help and parenting books, to cookbooks, the collection is intentionally diverse.

“The goal is to appeal to a range of reading interests, offering something that every employee can enjoy,” says McNeill

Employees are encouraged not only to take books home to read, but also to bring in gently used books of their own to share. The give-and-take system keeps the collection fresh and dynamic.

This thoughtful addition to the Redding Building shows that promoting reading doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, a simple shelf, some great books, and a shared love of reading are all that is needed to make a big impact.

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!