East Peoria resident and entrepreneur Michael Hart has launched an initiative designed to boost literacy in East Peoria and surrounding communities by improving access to books. To make his vision a reality, Michael has organized drives that have collected thousands of books. He wants to get those books into peoples’ hands through “little libraries” like those that have sprouted up across the country.

That’s where the community can help. Michael is seeking help from East Peoria businesses, churches, schools, and other organizations to place little libraries where they are needed most in the community.

Unlike a conventional library, these diminutive book repositories allow anyone to borrow or donate books at multiple locations throughout the community. Children and adults from all walks of life can access reading materials of all kinds. There is no cost and little libraries are open 24/7. This can be especially important to those who do not otherwise have easy access to books.

“I have always been someone who loved books and learning and education, and I know that reading gives you an advantage in life,” Michael said. “By giving someone the opportunity to fall in love with books, we’re helping people advance.”

Limited access to books came into sharp focus for Michael during the COVID-19 pandemic. When libraries and schools shut down, he said he wondered how people would continue to get books during those long months of isolation.

“During COVID there were programs to collect coats and food and other necessities for people. I started thinking of how we could get books to kids and boost literacy,” said Michael.

He decided that little libraries were the answer. Then he set out to use his building skills to connect with the community and inspire readers in a unique and impactful way.

Hand in hand with the little libraries is Bookmark Buddies, a community outreach that invites kids of all ages to submit original artwork that “celebrates the joy of reading.” Entries are eligible for prizes, including having the winner’s art reproduced on bookmarks that are then distributed through the little libraries.

The grand prize winner will have their artwork showcased on one of the little libraries that Michael hopes to build in the coming year. Materials are available for 16 little libraries. So far three have been installed in East Peoria and Peoria. Additional support is needed to build and maintain more.

Originally from Rockford, Michael began working in the roofing industry in his early 20s. In 2015, he chose the Peoria area to start Ready Roof, which has been offering complete residential and commercial roofing services in central Illinois ever since. Lately, his passion for reading and literacy has been bringing him down from the roof, where he hopes to make a difference by improving reading skills.

Giving back to the community is also at the center of a partnership Michael has built with Jack Blankenship, an entrepreneur and podcaster from Fresno, CA. Jack is helping Michael develop a new, locally produced podcast called “Talk to the Experts.” The program will focus on conversations with industry experts and leaders, with an emphasis on helping people find jobs, helping employers find quality employees, and supporting growth in the local economy.

Jack said he fully supports Michael’s passion for reading and wants to get other businesses and organizations involved in the effort. He said a well-educated, literate workforce benefits everyone.

“If just one kid learns to read better because of what we’re doing and it improves their life, it is all worth it,” he said.

To learn more or get involved in Bookmark Buddies and the little libraries reading initiative, contact Michael Hart at [email protected].