Follett Educational Foundation Sponsors Little Free Libraries

The Follett Educational Foundation (FEF) proudly announces its sponsorship of a significant initiative aimed at getting books into the hands of Native American students. Thanks to a generous contribution from the Nancy (Follett) Waichler family, FEF is funding the refresh of 80 Little Free Libraries located on tribal lands and areas serving Indigenous communities across North America.

FEF partnered with Follett Content Solutions to curate culturally relevant, high-interest titles and is working with the Little Free Library organization to ship this refreshed collection to the stewards of the libraries. Each of the 80 Little Free Libraries will be revitalized with new, diverse, and culturally relevant reading materials, ensuring that children, families, and community members have ongoing opportunities to discover, enjoy, and learn from books. This project is a direct response to the need for accessible literature in underrepresented communities, and it reflects the Foundation’s belief in the transformative power of reading. 

"At the Follett Educational Foundation, we believe that books are the foundation of learning," said Britten Follett, President of the Foundation. "By refreshing these 80 Little Free Libraries on tribal land, we are not just providing new, fun books—we are investing in the future of communities, honoring their stories, and empowering the next generation of readers and leaders."

Last year, the Follett Educational Foundation funded a book drive that delivered nearly 500 books—each carefully selected by students within the Navajo Nation—to help build their home libraries. This initiative underscored the Foundation’s commitment to fostering literacy by centering student voices and providing culturally relevant resources where they matter most. 

Now, with the new program to refresh 80 Little Free Libraries on tribal land, the Foundation continues to advance its mission, reaching even more Native American children and families.

Indigenous Little Free Library program manager Talia Miracle says, “The Indigenous library program is proud to provide exceptional books that celebrate the diverse experiences of Indigenous communities and culture. The book bundle provided by Follett was carefully curated to include just this type of content. We are grateful for this partnership and to be able to restock the libraries of our Indigenous stewards right before the holidays!” 

Little Free Library® (LFL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that builds community, inspires readers, and expands book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Library book-sharing boxes. With more than 200,000 registered Little Free Libraries worldwide—located in all 50 states, 128 countries, and on all seven continents—LFL has made a remarkable impact on literacy. The organization received the 2020 World Literacy Award and honors from the Library of Congress, National Book Foundation, and others. Learn more at LittleFreeLibrary.org.