Our Story
The Neighborhood Book Peddler was created with a simple but powerful mission: to make books free and accessible to everyone. We believe that stories are more than entertainment—they are lifelines, teachers, healers, and bridges between people. Through carefully curated collections, we bring literature directly into the heart of the community, fostering connection, cultural exchange, and personal growth.
Founded in August 2025, The Neighborhood Book Peddler began as a small idea with big intention: a single tricycle carrying books through the neighborhoods of New Orleans, offering free stories to anyone who wished to read. Since then, we’ve completed the build of our first custom book tricycle and steadily grown our library through community support and donations.
In January 2026, we hosted our inaugural community giveaway, marking a major milestone for the project. At our first event, we gave away approximately 75 books to neighbors of all ages—each one freely chosen, freely given, and taken home with intention. That first day affirmed what we’ve believed from the start: when books are made visible and accessible, people show up with curiosity, care, and joy.
Our work continues. We are excited to return for our next book giveaway on February 22nd at the Bywater Art Garden, where we’ll once again offer free books for both children and adults, spanning a wide range of genres. Each visitor is invited to take one book—an act that encourages reflection, sharing, and the slow building of a reading culture rooted in generosity.
We believe that access to books is access to opportunity. In too many communities, literature is treated as a privilege rather than a right. Yet the presence of books has been shown to support literacy, academic success, emotional well-being, and critical thinking. For children, books open worlds of imagination and possibility; for adults, they offer empathy, understanding, and connection. By making books mobile, communal, and joyfully free, The Neighborhood Book Peddler works to remove barriers to literacy and to reimagine reading as a shared public good.
The heart behind this mission is rooted in lived experience. Our founder grew up in a place where libraries were distant and books were rare treasures—each one a doorway into another world. Those early encounters with storytelling shaped a lifelong belief in the power of words to heal, connect, and transform. The Neighborhood Book Peddler carries that belief forward, ensuring others can experience the same spark of discovery and belonging through books.
Looking ahead, our long-term goals are centered on sustainable growth and deeper community impact. We aim to expand our collection toward and beyond 1,000 books; grow a fleet of book tricycles and carts to reach more neighborhoods across New Orleans; build partnerships with schools, shelters, and cultural organizations; and host literacy-based gatherings that pair books with music, storytelling, and conversation. Ultimately, we hope to establish a permanent community hub for reading and cultural exchange—and to inspire the replication of The Neighborhood Book Peddler model in other cities, sparking a wider movement of free, community-driven access to books.
Capturing moments: Our journey in photos
Donate to our Cause
The Neighborhood Book Peddler is on a mission to share free books with the community. Every story deserves a reader, and every reader deserves access. Join us—donate, volunteer, or simply take a book.
Contact Us
Better yet, give us a call!
(504) 266-0278
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