Staff Report / August 30, 2026
ITHACA — Two local organizations are joining forces to build mini-libraries inside affordable housing developments, honoring country legend Dolly Parton’s commitment to early childhood literacy.
The Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) and Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) have launched a community-wide book drive running through Thursday, September 10. Collected books will stock new permanent children’s libraries in the community rooms of four INHS family residential complexes. Organizers are seeking clean, new or gently used titles spanning all youth reading levels—including board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books, middle-grade novels, and young adult literature.
Key donation guidelines, drop-off locations, and partner discounts include:
- Participating Local Bookstores: Donors can purchase new books to contribute at Autumn Leaves (115 E. State St.), Buffalo Street Books (215 N. Cayuga St.), or Odyssey Bookstore (115 W. Green St.). Each participating shop is offering a 20% discount on books bought directly for the drive through September 10.
- Drop-Off Locations: Physical donations are being accepted at the DIA office (171 E. MLK Jr. St.), all three partner bookstores, and at the Ithaca Commons Summer Concert Series table during the August 27, September 3, and September 10 events from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Monetary Donations: Community members who wish to support the initiative digitally can make secure financial contributions online to help cover library creation costs.
Learn more here: downtownithaca.com/little-kids-big-dreams-book-drive
