Our Story
Andrew McElroy, Founder of Johnson’s Literary Depot, fell in love with reading because adults in his life: teachers, principals, and librarians, took the time to help him find books that actually interested him. Mrs. McGill at Fairmont Elementary and Mrs. Carver at Northside Elementary are two of many who showed him how a single book, placed at the right moment, can change a kid’s trajectory.
When Andrew opened Johnson’s Literary Depot in his hometown, he knew he had to carry that legacy forward. Kids Read For Free grew out of a simple promise: every child who comes through JLD’s doors should be able to leave with a book to keep, no paperwork, no pressure, no strings attached, just the freedom to choose and the dignity of ownership.
We’re inspired by the big levers that already work. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails millions of books to children under five every year, with states (including Tennessee) pushing for wide coverage and enrollment, and more than 36.7 million books gifted globally in 2024 alone. That proves large-scale access is possible.
But Tennessee’s literacy reality keeps us honest: in 2025, only 41.7% of third graders scored proficient in reading, meaning most children (58.3%) are still not on grade level. That’s the gap we hope to close.
Help inspire the next generation of readers
Our Mission & Vision
Mission: Put free, high-quality books into the hands of East Tennessee kids: by building simple local pipelines between donors, schools, libraries, clinics, and neighborhood hubs, so every child can choose books they love and read every day. Supporting and connecting literacy programs to ensure that access and effective programs are supported throughout East Tennessee.
Vision: Close Tennessee’s early-literacy gap by making book access universal where kids live, learn, and play. We will be the connector that fills the local gaps, year-round, beyond age five, so every Tennessee child grows up with a personal library and the skill to use it.
Statistics: Today, only about 41.7% of Tennessee third-graders read on grade level, meaning most children 58.3% are not yet proficient; that’s the hill we’re climbing. At the same time, the state proves large-scale access works: 68.4% of children under five receive a book every month through Tennessee’s Imagination Library program, and all under-fives have statewide access. Our educational system, libraries, Imagination Library program, and various community partners have been hard at work to tackle this issue and has improved since 2021.
Why We Do Things Differently
Public schools and libraries are essential. They’re also bound to funding cycles, staffing limits, hours, rules, and incentive programs that can put strings on a child’s reading life. Many families still face hurdles: sign-ups, proof of address, limited hours, waitlists, “reading level” policing, or programs tied to tests and AR points.
Kids Read For Free is built to remove those hurdles. We put zero-barrier, no-strings-attached books directly into the hands of children ages 0–12, to keep, not borrow, so home libraries grow and curiosity leads, not compliance.
What We Remove
No IDs, forms, or fees. No due dates, fines, or account requirements.
No gatekeeping. No reading logs to earn access, no AR/test tie-ins, no level policing at the table.
No shame. Kids choose what interests them: comics, picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction,.
What We Add
Abundance and choice. Free-choice selection; kids pick the books they want and keep them.
Neighborhood access. We are a Little Free Library Distributor, support Family Promise Thrift Store, and host a small library at Memorial Park Community Center. As well as primary access at Johnson’s Literary Depot in Downtown Johnson City.
Local pipeline. We connect donors, publishers, and community partners to keep shelves full year-round.
Family supports. Simple tips for reading at home, bilingual options where needed, and “starter stacks” to seed home libraries.
How We Complement (Not Compete)
We fill gaps for families who can’t clear paperwork, reach a branch during open hours, or manage returns.
We partner with schools and libraries: sharing surplus, co-hosting events, and referring families to storytimes, summer reading, and library cards.
We extend access beyond age-based programs so kids don’t “age out” of book ownership.
Why This Model Matters
Ownership builds habit. When a child owns books, reading happens anytime, anywhere.
Simplicity scales. Fewer rules mean faster delivery and broader reach.
Community-funded, mission-locked. We’re nimble because we’re not tied to bureaucratic cycles; donations go straight to books and distribution.
Our Commitments (Measured, not just promised)
Books placed per child per year
Share of distributions in under-resourced ZIP codes
Percentage of free-choice selections (kids pick their own books)
Growth of home libraries (baseline → follow-up counts)
Partner sites served (schools, clinics, and neighborhood hubs)
Donate to Kids Read for Free at Johnson’s Literary Depot
Kids Read for Free is a separate Non-Profit Entity that operates in partnership with Johnson’s Literary Depot. At this time, Kids Read for Free is in the process of receiving 501(c)(3) exemption from the IRS and TN Secretary of State for monetary donations.
We can only accept direct book donations and monetary book purchases ($1 per book for 13+ or adults) at Johnson’s Literary Depot to replenish children’s books. Once 501(c)(3) status is approved, the Board may begin fundraising for other literacy initiatives for East Tennessee. At that time, donation receipts for tax purposes will be provided and can be backdated to October 7th, 2025 (pending full approval).
Kids Read for Free FAQs
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Kids Read for Free works through generous donations of children’s books and regular monetary donations. By this support, we encourage parents to bring in old children’s books to trade for used children books (One Book = One Book). As your child grows, so does their literary interests. If a parent and child comes into the store without books to trade, we ensure that they are always allowed to walk out with one children’s book of their choice.
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No problem! A $1 (or any amount) donation is requested for anyone over 12 taking a kid’s book, with 100% of proceeds supporting the Kids Read For Free program.
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The two biggest ways that make Kids Read for Free a sustainable program at Johnson’s Literary Depot is regular monetary donations specifically for the program and book donations of gently used children’s books (Ages 0-12).
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In addition to free children’s books, Kids Read for Free also supports programming across Johnson City to encourage and support literacy initiatives for children. We are always looking for volunteers and ideas to help create this reality.
All volunteers with the Kids Read for Free must consent to a background check prior to volunteering. Please use the form below to be put on the interested list and subscribed to our newsletter. Prior to spring programming beginning, we will host an informational meeting for potential volunteers.
Interested in volunteering?
Interested in volunteering? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!
Our Board
Our board consists of four individuals that are heavily involved in creating the structure for a sustainable and long-term program. At this time, we are looking for additional board members. Please submit a volunteer form above with a message indicating your interest.
Andrew McElroy
Ally McElroy
Baylor Ingram
Madi Foster
Vacant