Belmont Resident Stocks Little Free Libraries in Book Deserts Across Charlotte

Sarah Ramberg of Belmont hunts for used children's books at thrift shops and hauls them to Little Free Libraries in low-income areas that lack bookstores or libraries. What started last fall with ten books has ballooned to more than 250 donations.

Ramberg discovered the need when she visited her first two spots. Empty. The Little Free Library in Enderly Park held nothing. McCrorey Heights? Same story.

Every few weeks, she consults an interactive map to pinpoint Little Free Libraries in book deserts, then drives there with a fresh batch of children's books.

The project sprouted during a rough year. Her mom died, and her 12-year writing career took a beating from AI competition. Her therapist suggested something different: Don't just look within to heal, but look outward and connect with the community.

Ramberg and her husband, Jon, moved to Charlotte during the pandemic. Working from home made it tougher to meet people.

"I love this city, but it's an easy city to feel lonely in," said Ramberg, according to the Charlotte Observer. "Most of us are transplants."

More than half of U.S. adults feel disconnected or isolated, according to the American Psychological Association. Ramberg has found that community connections help with isolation.

Neighbors now leave boxes of kids' books at her house. Strangers offer donations. During book drops, she and Jon visit new neighborhoods and try restaurants and shops along the way.

"Doing the Little Free Library project isn't just about finding little glimmers of joy, but creating my own glimmers of joy," she said.

The map on the Little Free Library website shows big spots of the city that don't have any locations. Ramberg wants to see a more equal distribution across Charlotte. She wants to work with groups to put new Little Free Libraries in parks and recreation centers.

"I find hope in connecting with neighbors and strangers who also want to do something good. It gives me a lot of hope, and it chases off that loneliness," said Ramberg. "We're not alone in this, even if it's easy to feel like it."