You can bring an entire library to a shelter full of children in need! To establish a library, a group of supporters agrees to raise a minimum of $15,000, forms a committee and chooses a local liaison to be JWI’s community contact. The library can be opened once the first installment of $7,500 is received.

Once an area shelter has been selected and its participation confirmed, the local NLI committee works with JWI and the shelter to develop a fundraising strategy, as well as a longer-term plan to ensure that volunteers remain involved once the library is open.

A Library Initiative event (or virtual event) is planned, with support from JWI. Finally, with start-up funds in hand, JWI works with the shelter to install its brand-new “standard library” as quickly as possible.

A fully-stocked NLI library includes:
• initial stocking of at least 350 new children’s books
• child-sized study table with four chairs
• two rocking chairs, for adult and child
• three oak book shelves of varied sizes
• desktop computer and software
• games and comfort items
• computer desk and chair
• 7’ x 7’ colorful rug