Charlotte-based free mobile library makes books more accessible
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Books on the House at South End's Camden Commons in June. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios
Books on the House is a nonprofit book collective making reading accessible to people in the Charlotte-area.
Why it matters: "If you want to succeed, you read," executive director Kat Varner tells Axios.
Context: Varner co-founded Books on the House with her former mentee, Jesse Brown, in 2023. With a shared value for reading and sustainability, the two came up with the idea for a free bookmobile full of recycled books.
What they're saying: "Growing up, I didn't have the opportunity to access books like other kids did or participate in book fairs," Jesse Brown, co-founder and director of outreach and community engagement, tells Axios.
- Now Brown uses his passion for books to provide unique experiences to help kids and adults fall in love with reading.
By the numbers: From March 2023-2024, the nonprofit has distributed 25,443 books, impacting 22,263 individuals across the community, per an impact statement shared with Axios.
How it works: The bookmobile will often operate at local events like South End's Camden Commons, the Charlotte Farmers Market, and Maker's Market Charlotte.
- The majority of the time, the bookmobile serves under-resourced communities, Varner tells Axios. This includes Title 1 schools, those experiencing homelessness and other nonprofits.
Zoom in: For instance, their Bubbles and Books program offers free books at laundromats in Charlotte.
- They also operate pop-up libraries, including one near &Coffee inside the Urban District Market. And they contribute to the "Little Free Libraries" in South End through a partnership with Charlotte Center City Partners.
What to expect: Free books of all genres for all ages, at both the bookmobile and pop-up locations.
- Depending on the event, visitors are typically limited to around 2-3 books per visit. Teachers can get up to five books to start their library.
Between the lines: Donations make up a huge part of the organization's library. They received 33,424 books from March 2023 to 2024. They also purchase books to maintain a diverse and current selection, especially in high-demand genres like YA and romance.
To donate, there's an Amazon wishlist and numerous drop-off bins around Charlotte, including Urban District Market and Legion Brewing in Plaza Midwood. If you have over 40 books to donate, you can schedule a pickup.
What's next: Books on the House will host Charlotte BOOKPALOOZA from 11am-5pm on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Urban District Market. It'll be a free book festival of "everything you could possibly imagine about books" Varner says.
- Check out all other upcoming events here.
Before we ended our interview, I asked the two their current reads.
Jesse: "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek and the "Bridgerton" series.
Kat: "Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries" by Heather Fawcett.
