Charlotte-based free mobile library makes books more accessible

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.

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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: Books on the House frequently operates at local events like South End's Camden Commons, the Charlotte Farmers Market , and Maker's Market Charlotte.

• They also operate pop-up libraries, including one near &Coffee in Urban District Market . Additionally, they contribute to the "Little Free Libraries" in South End through a partnership with Charlotte Center City Partners.

The pop-up library and donation box at Urban District Market. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios

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.

Photo: Courtesy of Books on the House.