JLPB Little Libraries: Fostering Literacy in Palm Beach County

The Junior League of the Palm Beaches (JLPB) is committed to improving literacy rates among elementary students in Palm Beach County through our Little Libraries Program. Our focus is on third-grade students, a critical year for reading development, as 46% of Palm Beach County third graders scored below grade level on the 2024 Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) reading exam.

Our Goal

The JLPB Little Libraries Program aims to promote literacy and reading among elementary students attending Title 1 (underserved) schools in Palm Beach County. By providing easy access to books, we hope to increase literacy, inspire a love for reading, and support the educational journeys of students. Together, we’re working to change the trajectory of children’s lives through reading.

How It Works

Our miniature libraries are strategically placed in accessible locations within school properties, allowing students to borrow, exchange, and engage with a variety of books. This initiative enables children to have books at home, which is crucial for developing reading skills and fostering a love for learning.

Impact and Reach

Current Achievements:

• 30 Little Libraries established at Title 1 schools
• Over 5,000 books donated
• 19,000 students served
• Our goal is to add 2-4 Little Libraries each year moving forward

Schools Served:

• Allamanda Elementary
• Clifford O Taylor /Kirklane Elementary
• Connections Education Center
• Diamond View Elementary
• Everglades Elementary
• Forest Park Elementary
• Golden Grove Ele
• Grove Park Elementary
• Highland Beach Elementary
• Hope-Centennial
• Indian Pines Elementary
• Jupiter Elementary
• Lake Park Elementary
• Northboro Elementary
• Northmore Elementary
• Orchard View Elementary
• Palm Beach Gardens Elementary
• Palm Beach Maritime Academy Elementary
• Pleasant City Elementary
• Renaissance Charter School Cypress
• Rolling Green Elementary
• Roosevelt Elementary
• Rosenwald Elementary
• Royal Palm Beach Elementary
• Seminole Trails Elementary
• Somerset Academy, Kimmel
• Somerset Academy, West Palm Beach
• Village Academy
• West Gate Elementary
• Wynnebrook Elementary

Future Expansion

For the 2026/27 League year, we plan to install Little Libraries at the following schools:

• The Conservatory School
• Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School

The Importance of Home Libraries

Research shows that children with access to more books at home:

• Read more frequently
• Develop higher-level reading skills
• Attain more years of education overall

These benefits persist even after controlling for parental education level, highlighting the transformative power of accessible literature.