Children’s Bookshelves
Building home libraries. Strengthening family literacy. Connecting community.
Wren Works believes that access to books is vital. Through the Children's Bookshelf Project, we help families build home libraries by providing free children's books at community service providers throughout the region.
Research shows that access to books at home matters. Studies have found that children who grow up in homes with books achieve higher educational outcomes. Children who own books experience improved reading achievement and reduced summer learning loss. These findings highlight the importance of helping families build home libraries and providing children with books they can read, revisit, and keep.
Our goal is to help families build a home library of 100 books or more.
Books are provided through community partnerships and donations, including support from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Lebanon Public Library, The Ohio State University Extension Office, Dayton Book Fair, New Learners, Christmas for Tots, community book drives, and individual donors. We distribute both new and gently used books in English and Spanish and provide free literacy and STEAM resources that encourage reading, conversation, and hands-on learning at home.
Impact Since January 2026
Distributed more than 3,000 books to children and families.
Reached nearly 1,400 children through community programs and events.
Expanded from a pilot at the Lebanon Food Pantry to a growing network of Children's Bookshelves and partner distribution sites.
Increased access to books in both English and Spanish.
Strengthened partnerships among literacy, education, and social-service organizations throughout the community.
Invest in Family Literacy
The Children’s Bookshelf Project is built on a simple premise: access to books should not depend on household income. This work is sustained through community investment.
Across all our programs, Wren Works has seen firsthand the power of books to inspire curiosity, strengthen literacy, and build lifelong learners. This year, we aim to expand book distribution to:
Children attending camps and family literacy events
Educators participating in professional learning workshops
Families building home libraries at the Lebanon Food Pantry