Click image for more information about the Laundromat Library League.
The Laundromat Library League (LLL) makes children’s books available to children who have little or no access to books at home. LLL volunteers place small “library boxes” of children’s books primarily in laundromats. Each box has a laminated sign inviting children and caregivers to read a book at the laundromat, take the book home, and pass it on to someone else. Books donated by our AAUW branch have an AAUW sticker on the inside cover.
Several members serve as stewards, some help affix book stickers, and some assemble boxes. By supporting Boscov’s “Friends Helping Friends” fundraiser for non-profit organizations, members enabled the LLL to purchase books in great demand, such as board books, books in Spanish, and books featuring minority characters. The LLL continues to add laundromat sites throughout the USA, and the demand for children’s books is constant.
During 2024, we have been celebrating our tenth year of giving books to children. To acknowledge this milestone year, we set a goal to add 100 new sites where we can reach out to more children. We have increased the number to 280 sites in 36 states and one in Guam, but we have not yet met our goal of 100. We presently have 898 volunteers and supporters who help us fulfill our mission. We have no paid staff. Please help us find new sites. You can search our website laundromatlibraryleague.org or contact Peggy Staarman (peggstaar@verizon.net) for more information about establishing an LLL site.
A bit of news for November 2024: Thank you to Centro Hispano in Reading, PA for hosting one of the Laundromat Library Leagues’ boxes – distributing quality books to children who visit their Center! A recent restocking from LLL Board member Peggy S. See below:
In addition to our local book drives, significant grant funding was secured from Justamere Foundation, Constellation Energy, Chester County Community Foundation and the American Association of University Women.
To all who have helped with book drives and behind-the-scenes collecting, sorting, maintaining the storage area, connecting with stewards, replenishing the placed boxes – THANK YOU! You have touched the lives of many children and families in our communities by sharing a love of reading and adventure.
Laundromat Library League History
AAUW West Chester-Chester County Branch member Arlene Rengert and Karen Iaobucci began the Laundromat Library League in 2014.
In celebration of Women’s History Month 2022, our Branch donated more than 125 books about remarkable women to our local Laundromat Library League sites.
In 2015 Arlene and Karen received a Literacy Award for promoting reading. The Laundromat Library League is committed to sharing books with children wherever a support group can be established.
Volunteers at Laundromat Library League come from our AAUW Branch as well as local community groups and interfaith religious groups. Volunteers work individually and together collecting, sorting and delivering books. Each volunteer makes his or her own schedule. Each Book Box is refreshed once or twice a month. Groups are encouraged to engage in book drives in their communities.