Little Laundromat Library

Team Members: Alice Ballenger, Michelle Bounds, Rob Carson, Neval Erturk, Midas Hampton, Kira Reaves, Staci Roberts

The Little Laundromat Library (L³), inspired by Little Free Library, aspires to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access for children, teenagers, and adults. L³ concentrates in areas with lower income, mid to high poverty rates, higher teen birth rates, and below-average reading scores at zoned elementary schools around Spartanburg, South Carolina.

On average, people spend 90 minutes at the laundromat per visit, oftentimes accompanied by their children. This is why laundromats are an excellent location to establish free libraries to create access points to books. The mission of L³ is to partner with local laundromats in underserved areas of Spartanburg to provide a collection of books and furniture so that children and adults have something to read while they wait for their laundry.

By partnering with local book clubs and student groups from local universities, the supply of books will be monitored and replenished through donations and book drives. Through this partnership, L³ is establishing a sustainable solution in providing access to books, improving literacy, and developing a love of reading among the community.