During 2023, United WE READ worked to identify all Little Free Libraries in the Greater Kingsport area. With the help of volunteers, United WE READ identified 20+ libraries. Since first identification, volunteers have spent countless hours visiting these libraries and determining which are in good condition and still open for operation. These libraries are stocked and maintained by volunteers. As of November 2025, there are now 30 active Little Free Libraries. Additionally, 1 is under construction and 2 more are waiting to be installed. Approximately, 4 others are inactive.
United WE READ, an initiative of United Way of Greater Kingsport, aims for 100% of area 3rd graders to read proficiently. The program unites schools, afterschool programs, community stakeholders, and caregivers to foster early literacy and support children's future success.
Since 2013, United WE READ has continued to create a literacy rich community by serving over 17,000 people in the greater Kingsport community, with over 100 volunteers, distributing roughly 14,000 books at over 150 events.
The United Way of Greater Kingsport recognizes the importance of child reading literacy, Kindergarten readiness, and a child's access to books. That's why United WE READ focuses on implementing afterschool programs, hosting book drives, identifying and stocking Little Free Libraries, coaching parents on beneficial reading practices for young readers, and teaching children the power and relevance of reading.
The skills developed in early childhood lay the foundation for lifelong health and wellbeing. “Serve and Return” interactions like reading, talking, singing, and playing games build neural connections in the brain, supporting early language, social, and cognitive development essential for healthy emotional and social skills later in life.
Around third grade, children are expected to switch from learning-to-read to reading-to-learn in their classrooms and in their daily life. That's why the years before children reach third grade are pivotal to encourage reading success. United WE READ wants to support children, parents, schools, and other organizations like public libraries in our community to encourage reading literacy and higher comprehension in young students.
In 2025:
- 41.7% of all 3rd grade students in Tennessee Public Schools scored met or exceeded on TCAP for ELA
- 49.6% of all 3rd grade students in Kingsport City Schools scored met or exceeded on TCAP for ELA
- 45.3% of all 3rd grade students in Sullivan County Schools scored met or exceeded on TCAP for ELA
These results display a minimal increase from the previous two years, and there's more room for growth!
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In 2025, United WE READ served 5,670 people in the community, distributing 1,955 books in 155 hours of community outreach, with the help of 71 volunteers. The initiative also maintains and fills over 30 little free libraries in Greater Kingsport.
Ellen Hopkins Event
In the summer of 2025, United WE READ was approached by Sullivan County Anti-Drug Coalition with the idea of partnering to bridge the gap between literacy and substance misuse. After four months of planning, United WE READ in partnership with AveNew, Sullivan County Anti-Drug Coalition and Kingsport Public Library, we were able to host New York Times Best Selling Author, Ellen Hopkins to Kingsport.
Ellen visited three local high schools to speak with students about her works, as well as her lived experience as a parent of a child with substance use disorder. Ellen met with over 500 students. Kingsport Public Library hosted a community event to serve the Greater Kingsport area.
Books were for sale from Haven Booksellers (local bookstore), Recovery organizations and mental health providers. Overall, we were able to serve roughly 700 people in total. Through this project we were able to share Ellen’s experience with writing and publishing, expose students to novels written in verse and allowed for students to ask honest questions about substance misuse, addiction and recovery. This was an incredible opportunity for the students in our community, and we hope to do it again, to bridge the gap between literacy and substance misuse.
STEM Opportunities
Through a grant from the MOTTS Foundation, Unite WE READ is able to provide STEM supports to afterschool partners. For the second year in a row, United WE READ has funded a STEM program with Discovery Hands On Museum with Kingsport Parks and Recreation summer program. This year, we served 182 kids over the summer. United WE READ has continued to support STEM efforts across all ages by partnering with Sevier Middle School to provide 35 books in addition to 12 STEM kits to students who have utilized library services throughout the school year.
Lights On Afterschool
As a partner of the Tennessee Afterschool Network, United WE READ hosts a HUB of local afterschool providers. Through this hub, United WE READ provides literacy and STEM support for providers as well as training for staff.
Tennessee Afterschool Network Hub:
- Kingsport
- YMCA
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee
- Kingsport Boys and Girls Club
- Girls Inc. of Kingsport
- New Vision Youth
- H.O.P.E
- Kingsport Literacy Council
- Kingsport Public Library
- Sullivan County Public Library
- Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachia
- Boy Scouts
- Sequoyah Council
- Kingsport Parks and Recreation
- Small Miracles
Lights on Afterschool is a day that honors all of the hard work and highlights the importance of afterschool programs.
Superhero Summer Kick-off
In 2025, United WE READ hosted the 2nd Annual Superhero Summer Kickoff. The kickoff is held at the Kingsport Carousel during the Farmer’s Market hours on the first Saturday in June. This event is meant to arm families with all the tools they need to have a productive summer. This includes resources for summer meals, books, childcare and more. Each child can make a superhero costume, take a photo and ride the carousel, all for FREE. This event served roughly 500 individuals in 2025 giving out over 250 books
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For 2026 and Beyond
- Implement the literacy mentoring program with Afterschool Network organizations
- Establish 5 more Reading Nooks within the greater Kingsport area (bringing our total to 15 in the area)
- Increase social media presence, in order to help reach people with resources
- Ensure there is a Little Free Library at every elementary school in the UWGK footprint
- Further partner with local libraries to combine efforts and resources