Everyone has a story

Here's ours:  Detroit is our home, and we love it here. But the city has been pigeonholed as the poorest, fattest, most corrupt city in America, even the murder capital.

We want to turn the page on that image, and make Detroit: The Little Free Library Capital of the World! 

This project would build on the growing movement of Little Free Libraries -- the "take a book, leave a book" phenomenon of small boxes filled with free books and sprinkled around neighborhoods. The founder of the movement was in Detroit this week, and gave the city 20 little libraries to kick off our effort.

We planted the libraries in the historic Detroit neighborhoods of North Rosedale Park, Corktown, Palmer Woods, Palmer Park, Boston Edison, Virginia Park, Banglatown and Southwest Detroit. 

We also planted libraries at a worship house, nonprofit, innovative project and small business including Westminster Church, Detroit Loves You Airbnb, Write A House, Ruth Ellis Drop In Center, 2051 Rosa Parks and Murphy Play Lot.

 The libraries are also being planted in several Detroit parks including Butler, Clark, Weiss, Hawthorne, Bennett, LaSalle Ford, Lafayette Central, Wilson and Edmore-Marbud.

Currently, there are 20,000 Little Free Libraries around the world, in places as far flung as Antarctica and deserted islands in Canada. But there are only a handful in Detroit.

This campaign aims to add 313 more Little Free Libraries to the city to honor its iconic 3-1-3 area code, and to promote reading and community.

Never has there been a better time to build 313 little libraries for Detroit, since the city is at a historic moment, climbing out of bankruptcy and poised for a comeback. Citizens also have long struggled with literacy, and many Detroit libraries have limited hours, while some have even shut down.

We are partnering with a woodworking duo who will build the libraries from reclaimed wood salvaged from abandoned Detroit houses.

Our inspiration came from a Little Free Library in our own neighborhood. Then we put up one in front of  our house. Soon after, people discovered it, took and left books. And we've since met many neighbors we'd never known.  

"What a wonderful addition to the neighborhood! " one neighbors wrote in a note. "Thank you so much for for bringing this to share with us all, I look forward to bringing more books down and finding one to read also."

In spite of the negative images of Detroit, the city is incubating again. Why not help us, and be a part of Detroit's rebirth?

313

During the final rap battle in the Detroit-based hip-hop movie, "8 Mile," Eminem yelled to the crowd: "Now everybody from the 3-1-3, put your hands up and follow me." 

Since the 3-1-3 is an iconic area code in Detroit, we're aiming to build 313 little free libraries in the city.

The End Grain Woodworking Co.will build the libraries from salvaged wood from Detroit. Each will cost $400 to build, install and seed with books, including some by authors who are local, bilingual and diverse.

The funds raised from the campaign will be used to build half of the 313 little libraries; the remaining will be built in partnership with the national Little Free Library, whose founder promised support.  Funding from local corporations and foundations will be sought to finance the rest.

Supporters will bestowed with fun perks such as getting their names inscribed in some of the books that will go in the little libraries or book marks made from wood salvaged from abandoned Detroit homes.

Even if the goal is not met, 100 percent of the funds will be used to build as many little libraries as possible.

The Impact

Reading not only enhances knowledge, vocabulary, imagination and analytical thinking, it also has enormous outcomes for individuals, relationships and future success in life.

There are numerous health benefits to reading such as reduced stress, improved sleep, memory and more.

In Detroit, where almost half of adults are functionally illiterate, access to as many books as possible is a simple but critical way to have a huge impact on lives.

Other Ways You Can Help

We know some people won't be able to contribute financially, but that doesn't mean you can't help in other ways.

• Spread the word out and make some noise about your campaign.
• Volunteer to be a steward of a Little Free Library in Detroit.
• Coming soon: donate your favorite children's books at a drop-off location near you.