Project status: Proposed initiative in planning. Locations, partners, final design, budget and launch dates remain subject to consultation and approval.
Rebuild Dominica, Inc. has proposed the Dominica People’s Library Project, a national community literacy, youth development and civic leadership initiative guided by a simple conviction: Those Who Read Lead.
The proposal calls for a network of bright, weather-resistant community book exchanges where residents can take a book freely and leave one when they are able. There would be no library cards, fees, borrowing deadlines or requirement to donate before receiving a book.
Beginning with a proposed Marigot pilot
Marigot is proposed as the inaugural community. Subject to permissions, resources and community agreement, the pilot would pair an accessible book cabinet with a community book drive, local stewardship and educational activities. Lessons from the first installation would inform any future expansion across Dominica.
Why access to books matters
A 2024 observational study involving 768 children in Baltimore County, Maryland, reported that 92 percent gained greater access to books through book-sharing boxes, 49 percent read more frequently, children averaged approximately 1.1 additional reading days per week, and 88 percent kept more books at home. Read the source data and study summary from Little Free Library.
These findings are specific to the communities studied and do not establish that identical results will occur in Dominica. They do, however, point to the potential value of convenient, community-based access to books.
A platform for reading, writing and service
The cabinets are intended to be a starting point. Related activities could include reading circles, storytelling, local-history projects, student writing, author presentations, book discussions and introductory learning in science, technology, agriculture, environmental stewardship and entrepreneurship.
The proposal was prepared under the leadership of Rebuild Dominica President LaDàna Young (née Drigo), with Chairwoman Joan Christian serving as Proposal Lead. It invites discussion with the Dominica Students Union, construction professionals, historians, the Dominica Cadet Corps, Pont Casse Press, education authorities, community organizations and Dominicans at home and abroad. These are proposed roles only and do not, by themselves, constitute commitments by any organization or individual.
What happens next
The proposal, dated October 17, 2026, was prepared for discussion, consideration and a vote at an October 19 volunteer planning meeting. Rebuild Dominica will share confirmed decisions and implementation details as they become available. Before construction, the responsible group would need to approve the site, design, budget, maintenance plan and accountability arrangements.
Please note: Rebuild Dominica is not yet requesting that books or funds be sent. Prospective volunteers, donors and community partners may use the project page to register interest while the pilot arrangements are developed.
The Dominica People’s Library Project is proposed as an independent Dominican literacy initiative inspired by the community book-sharing concept. No formal affiliation with Little Free Library is asserted.
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