Tribal Nations
Our partner tribal nations draw from the experience of Reading Nation Waterfall, a project focused on increasing book access and libraries to Native American children from across the country. The project uses the Little Free Library model to install book boxes at schools, early education centers and public or tribal libraries. With the increase to book access, the project has created a sustainable model of distributing books and improving literacy rates among Native American children.
Reading Nation Waterfall: Yurok Nation in California
Reading Nation Waterfall is a literacy initiative funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services to expand book access for Native American children. Current efforts focus on partner Tribal communities sustaining the Book Ecosystem Model through book fairs, buddy reading, and reading log events. Positive family engagement has been reported, while expansion discussions are underway with additional North Coast Tribal communities, building on continued leadership from the Yurok Tribe.
Reading Nation Waterfall: Zuni Pueblo, Navaho, and Hopi Nations in New Mexico
The New Mexico Reading Nation Waterfall project is establishing and expanding the Book Ecosystem model with the Zuni Pueblo and expanding into the Navajo and Hopi Nations to address the high need for book access in tribal regions. Currently, there are Little Free Libraries active at Zuni Head Start and the local public library, with 365 books recently distributed and new shipments in progress.
Reading Nation Waterfall: United Keetoowah Band of Oklahoma
Focused on building a united tribal literacy alliance and expanding early literacy opportunities across Oklahoma's 48 tribes by installing Little Free Library boxes using the "three legged stool" book ecosystem model. Currently 12 boxes are active, with plans to leverage tribal resources and community partnerships for national replication.