From sponsoring a Little League team, to hosting school fundraising dinners, local businesses are in a unique position to make a real difference when it comes to supporting the community. And, one place civic minded entrepreneurs can truly make an impact is local literacy. Strong literacy skills are foundational to personal and academic success, yet many children and adults lack access to not only books, but also the resources and support services they need to become confident readers.

The good news? You don’t have to be an educator or a librarian to help! Local businesses, large and small, can play a vital role in promoting literacy and making reading more accessible for everyone in their community.

Literacy is more than just the ability to read and write. It’s the gateway to lifelong learning, critical thinking, and economic opportunity. From understanding labeling information on a medicine bottle, to decoding IKEA assembly instructions, to navigating a job application or filing taxes, literacy touches every part of life.

When businesses invest in community literacy, they are investing in their own future, too! Whether you run a coffee shop, a clothing boutique, a law firm, or a local gym, there are countless creative ways to support literacy initiatives in your area.

Host a Book Drive

One of the easiest and most effective ways to support literacy is by organizing a book drive. Encourage your customers and employees to donate new or gently used books. You can partner with a local literacy nonprofit (like Success Won’t Wait in Delaware) or library to distribute the books where they’re needed most—such as schools, shelters, or community centers. (Click here for step-by-step instructions and best practices for hosting a successful Book Drive.)

Sponsor a Little Free Library

Consider installing a Little Free Library near your storefront, warehouse, or office. These charming book-sharing boxes invite people to take a book or leave a book, helping to spread literacy one reader at a time. Your business can maintain the library, keep it stocked, and even use it as a platform for themed reading events or community book swaps. (Click here to learn more about becoming a Little Free Library location.)

Partner with Local Literacy Organizations

Non-profit organizations like Success Won’t Wait and other literacy-based organizations are always looking for business partners. Whether through financial support, employee volunteer hours, or donations of books and supplies, your business can help amplify this important mission.

Offer Your Space for Reading Events

If you have a café, bookstore, or even an open office lobby, consider offering your space for read-alouds, book club meetings, or tutoring sessions. Hosting regular community reading events is a great way to build goodwill while supporting literacy.

Donate a Portion of Sales

Choose a day or a week where a percentage of your sales go directly to a local literacy charity. Let your customers know that their purchases are making a difference. This can raise awareness, drive traffic to your business, and support a great cause… all at once.

Encourage Employees to Get Involved

Empower your employees to give back. Offer paid volunteer hours so they can help with local literacy programs or school reading initiatives. You could also start a workplace book club and donate matching titles to a local classroom or library.

Promote Reading on Social Media

Have a strong social media presence? Use it to shine a light on literacy efforts! Share book recommendations, highlight local authors, or raise awareness about unique reading challenges, statistics, or initiatives in your community. By leveraging your online presence, you can help spread a love of reading far beyond the doors of your individual business.

Supporting literacy doesn’t require a big budget, just a commitment to your community. When businesses step up, they not only enhance their brand and strengthen customer relationships, they also help open doors for local residents through the power of reading. When everyone has access to books and the skills to read them, the entire community thrives!

About Success Won’t Wait

Founded in 2002 and dedicated to educating the next generation, 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!