Local Teen Promoting Literacy With Book Boxes

A local teen promoting literacy in the Upper Cumberland by building book boxes that people can use to pick up and drop off books for each other to read.

Emma’s Novel Bunch Founder is 17-year-old Emma Stevens. Stevens founded the organization just last year. Stevens said she wants those who are underprivileged in local communities to have the opportunity to read books.

“A lot of my free little libraries are just inspired from my love of reading growing up as a kid,” Stevens said. “My mom always read stories to me at night before I went to sleep and that really just inspired me to found my organization.”

Stevens said she fills the boxes with used books that have been donated to her organization. Stevens said there are currently five book box locations ranging from Monterey, Cookeville, Algood, and Livingston.

“Ultimately the goal is for them to be used regularly and provide it for people that need them,” Stevens said.

Stevens said books are a good way for people to learn. Stevens also said the boxes have books for all kinds of ages.

“I believe that books have life lessons that are important,” Stevens said. “So I think even if it’s from inspiring children to read more or to giving people who are older the opportunity to read it’s just important.”

Stevens said she plans to place several more boxes and is currently in the process of putting a box in Crossville. Stevens recently crowned Fairest of the Fair at the 2024 Putnam County Fair.