From Bus to Bookshelf: How the Free Book Bus and Johnson Elementary Nurture Young Readers 

At First Book, we believe in the transformative power of stories, and are inspired by those who bring books to the hands of children who need them most. Two such inspiring examples are Sharon, the visionary behind The Free Book Bus, and the dedicated educators at Johnson Elementary. 

The Free Book Bus: Sharon’s Journey

Sharon’s journey began with a simple idea and quickly grew into a thriving nonprofit, complete with a used bus filled with free books. With the help of family and friends, she made her vision a reality, creating a mobile library that reaches hundreds of children. 

On a visit to one of Sharon’s regular stops at a Boys & Girls Club in a mobile home park south of Charlottesville, VA, we witnessed firsthand the impact of her work. Southwood Mobile Park is a 100-acre community with over 1,500 residents, currently undergoing an ambitious transformation led by Habitat for Humanity to build homes and create equity for the residents. 

Sharon’s Free Book Bus sees an average of 500 kids each month. Her weekly stops at public housing developments, Boys & Girls Clubs, and community centers bring much-needed resources to these communities. Popular items among children include coloring books, graphic novels, and art supplies. When asked if it bothered her that traditional books were not her primary choice, Sharon’s response was heartwarming. She noted that many kids carefully consider the books they pick up, and whether they take them home or not, the choice is theirs. 

During our visit, a Boys & Girls Club staff member shared some valuable insights. She mentioned that many of the kids are interested in books but often put them down after a few pages. “They just don’t read well enough, and it’s too hard,” she said, highlighting the challenges faced by many children in the community. 

Johnson Elementary: A Hub of Avid Readers

Contrast this with the scene at Johnson Elementary, a diverse K-4 school near the mobile park. Here, a class of avid readers recently staged a formal protest when the school library shut down checkouts for the year. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated educators, the library will open one day a week during the summer to let students continue their love of reading. 

Johnson Elementary, home to children from mixed economic backgrounds, boasts a robust support system. With resources like a speech pathologist, social workers, and a psychologist, the school provides a nurturing environment that contributes to its remarkably low teacher turnover rate. 

The librarian and reading specialist at Johnson noted that graphic novels are the most popular items among students. In their well-lit, colorful library filled with nonfiction, chapter books, and multiple copies of popular series, it is hard to imagine any child leaving without something exciting to read. 

At First Book, we are deeply grateful for the efforts of individuals like Sharon and the educators at Johnson Elementary. Their dedication makes books, supplies, and other materials accessible to children who need them the most.  

Join Our Network 

Educators can join First Book’s Network — the largest online community of individual educators, professionals and volunteers dedicated to supporting children in need across North America — to bring new books, educational resources, and supplies to their classroom or program.