Impacting individual literacy needs.
Nashville Book Connection connects kids with books they love to nurture their reader identities - at home & in the classroom.
NBC develops reader identities as students uncover a sense of pride, passion, and excitement around reading, book ownership,
and shared book experiences.
“In our school, many students face systemic barriers to accessing books at home. NBC helps bridge that gap by bringing high-interest, culturally relevant books directly into our building and placing them into the hands of our young readers. But what truly sets this organization apart is its commitment to student choice and reader identity. Each child is invited to select books that speak to their interests, experiences, and dreams—while engaging in affirming conversations with caring adults who see and celebrate them as readers.”
We supply a culture of readership by growing home libraries full of new, diverse, and meaningful books kids are excited to read.
According to local librarians and teachers, a lack of consistent readership at home has contributed to low literacy outcomes amongst students.
The factors pointing toward low literacy rates overall are complex. Nevertheless, there is room for action now.
“Without access to books, the persistent gap between children who have access and those who don’t will remain. Our students will not reach their full potential without books, regardless of the educational reforms schools implement.
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How can I help?
Donate Books. Donate Money.
What is a Culture of Readership?
A Culture of Readership is about connection.
A home with a culture of readership is one where habits of connection--to one another, to oneself, to the rest of the world--exist because of consistent engagement with books.
Not only does an engagement with books bring to life a child’s imagination, curiosity, risk-taking, confidence, and self-actualization but it also enriches interactions they have with those around them. A culture of readership is key to healthy social-emotional development.
All of these outcomes are critical to successful literacy outcomes.
All Illustrations by Penelope Dullaghan.
How can we expect kids to get along with others in this world--to empathize and to share--if they never see outside of themselves?
Grace Lin, Children’s Author
OUR APPROACH
address individual literacy needs & nurture reader identities
Nashville is home to several extraordinary literacy initiatives that support readership among elementary school students in the community. These admirable programs work hard to increase book access by both building home libraries and increasing library usage. What NBC aims to do is complement these programs by providing new books that speak specifically to elementary student interest.
ACCESS at home
Why it matters? The more books there are at home, the more opportunities there are for reading.
STUDENT CHOICE
Why it matters? Supporting students’ agency to choose books they are excited to read increases their engagement with reading.
Student Voice
Why it matters? Empowering student voices allows young readers to feel heard, shows them their interests matter and grows connections with others around reading.
There are two ways you can help impact literacy at home, book by book.
Donate books. Donate money.
This program is about connection. It’s about kids connecting with books, it’s about families connecting over reading, and it’s about communities connecting over shared favorite books from childhood through adulthood.
Thank you. We could not do this without community investment.
Donate books
Shop our curated NBC collection online or in-store and donate new books from our local community partners, Fairytales Bookstore and The Getalong. Get 30% off all purchases for NBC.
Donate money
Donate today -- Your tax-deductible donations will go toward buying books children are excited to read! NBC is a 501(c)(3) organization.
2025/2026 Sponsors
Community Partners
