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Books Open New Worlds
One Book. One Page. One Child at a Time.
Our Literacy Program
Books Open New Worlds is a literacy initiative dedicated to inspiring children from age 0 to 12th grade to develop a love for reading, expand their learning, and ignite their imaginations. Through engaging culturally relevant books, interactive activities, and creative outlets, the program seeks to cultivate curiosity, improve literacy skills, and foster lifelong readers and learners.
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Your donation will help us distribute 60 books per year, donate little libraries to local parks and schools, host read alouds and family literacy events. ​
Book Distribution
In the last 7 months, we've distributed over 600 books to children and families throughout Compton, Hawthorne, and Watts!
From school events to community pop-ups, our book giveaways have brought stories and imagination to doorsteps. By making books accessible, we're helping students build their personal libraries and develop early reading habits.
Kindergarten Readiness Kits
Over 30 Kindergarten Readiness Kits distributed to preschoolers in our community.
Each kit includes early reader books, crayons, scissors, glue sticks, pencils, a workbook, and a parent resource guide—everything needed to kickstart a child’s educational journey. We believe every child deserves to enter school confident and ready to learn.
Little Free Libraries
We launched our Little Library Initiative with a donation to Gonzalez Park in Compton, California.
These libraries allow families to “take a book, leave a book” and promote reading at home. We plan to add more throughout the city!
Read-Alouds & Family Literacy Events
Bringing stories to life with read-aloud events and family literacy nights is coming soon!
These gatherings foster joyful learning environments where kids and parents read together, discuss stories, and celebrate the power of words. We partner with schools, churches, and housing communities to bring books into family routines.
Donate
Books & Little Libraries
Donating books and Little Libraries across the city to ensure children can access books in their community.
After-School & Summer Literacy Programs
Helping children learn to read, improving proficiency, and developing advanced language arts and writing skills.
Reading Circles
Reading circles are designed to build community, spark imagination, build reading confidence, and strengthen family bonds—one story at a time.
Here is what we did in 2024
Book Donations
Donated 30 books to Kelly Park's Little Library.
Book Fair Donation
Contributed $50 to KIPP Compton’s Scholastic Book Fair, enabling children to purchase books and foster a love for reading.
Free Little Library
Purchased a Free Little Library to donate to a local Compton park in 2025.
Here is what we have planned for the future
Little Libraries
Our goal is to donate four little libraries to local parks in Compton by the end of 2025.
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The first little library will be donated to a local park.
Family Engagement Workshops
Studies show that children whose families read with them are twice as likely to become strong readers. We want to equip parents and caregivers with tools to support literacy at home, reinforcing reading habits beyond the classroom.
Kindergarten Readiness
The Kindergarten Readiness Program develops letter recognition, phonics, and early reading comprehension skills. This program will help PreK and T-K students be prepared for their first day of kindergarten.
Read Circles
Our Reading Circles bring children, families, and community members together to experience the joy of reading in a fun and engaging environment. Hosted at parks, community centers, and partner sites, these interactive sessions encourage a love for books through read-alouds, group discussions, and literacy games.
Community Requests
MelB Alliance is excited to offer the community the opportunity to request a free Little Library installation or host a book fair in your area! Little Libraries are a great way to inspire a love of reading and bring neighbors together. Fill out the online form to request a Little Library or book fair, and our team will review your request.