Anna's Books

About

elementary school boy holding up a spanish children's book with a frog on it that covers his face except the eye holes which he peeps out of.

Anna’s Books is on a Mission to Improve Childhood Literacy

We are meeting an unmet need in our community by providing free books to children and teachers in Western North Carolina.

Get Involved

Anna’s Books has distributed over 25,000 books into our WNC community since 2018!

Our Mission

Anna’s Books provides elementary school teachers and students with books to foster the love of reading. We work with teachers and childhood literacy advocates to build classroom and home libraries that meet the diverse needs of every child. We aim to build a future community of readers who all feel seen, heard, and encouraged while carrying on the legacy of love and education in memory of Anna Williams. 

Our Services

art teacher at haywood county school standing infront of his classroom library supplied by anna's books

Building and supporting classroom libraries

Teachers shouldn’t have to spend their own money to provide books to their students.

haywood county school teacher shopping for books at anna's books

Providing free bookshops for local teachers

Teachers know their student’s interests and needs better than anyone.

anna's books free book fair set up in a haywood county school

Offering free student book fairs

Making books accessible to all local kids while fostering excitement about reading.

a selection of diverse children's books telling stories from various cultures

Ensuring every student has their story in their classroom

Improving representation and celebrating our differences.

Anna’s Books was founded to turn grief into growth

We aim to carry on the legacy of learning started by Anna Williams by planting seeds for a better future for her community.

Anna Williams

Anna was a Haywood County native, educator, principal, book lover, and mother who sought to support teachers and foster a love of reading in children.

anna williams smiles as her son kisses her on the cheek
Anna William's family at the first anna's books celebration holding up childrens books and standing infront of cupcakes

Anna’s Books was founded in 2018

It all began on Anna’s birthday at Meadowbrook Elementary with the school she loved. Her family wanted to continue her legacy by supporting children and educators in her community with the gift of books. Our main focus is building elementary school libraries.

Join Anna’s family in carrying “heavy things” to improve literacy in our WNC community

Get Involved

“The best part of me is my arms because my mom runs this thing called Anna’s Books for my other mom and I can carry new boxes of books. I wouldn’t change my arms because I love to help people carry heavy things.”

-Emily Claire Smith
Anna’s Daughter

anna's daughter emily claire pictured showing her muscles with the text: "the best part of me"

Our Goals

anna's williams smiling
  • Be known as a free community resource in WNC- spread the word!
  • Ensure no local teacher goes without classroom books.
  • Increase representation in classrooms by providing stories from all student’s cultures.
  • Distribute 5,000-7,000 books per year.
  • Hold regular book drives and processing opportunities.
  • Retain a sustainable source of funding.
Join Us
Follow Our Journey

Community Testimonials

“Every time we pull out a book to read our Preschoolers we look and it’s from Anna’s Books. You have literally made our bookcases full and over flowing at Maggie Valley United Methodist Preschool. It would have taken us a long time to find the books if Dana hadn’t given us many boxes of Preschool books. Thank you so much for all the lovely books and we enjoy them every day. What a blessing Anna’s Books is to our community and all of Haywood County.”

-Beverly Ketner
Teacher, Maggie Valley UMC Preschool 

thank you cards and drawings from children to anna's books
a thank you card to anna's books that says, "Dana, I cannot thank you enough for gathering all those books for my school last school year. not only did you gather books but you took extra time to make great selections. your time and dedication in giving to others is such a blessing and example to others. i know the teachers and students will be impacted in positive ways for your generosity. thank you!
a thank you card that says, "thank you so much for all of our amazing books! with the books you brought and the 0 new teacher gift- we got 100 books for our classroom we love them and you.
thank you for our books. my students love them! Your family is keeping Anna's love for reading alive! Our school appreciates all you do!

FAQs

Where do the books come from?

Thankfully, books just keep showing up! They are dropped on Maple Grove Church’s porch, thrifted, donated, recycled from teachers, donated from Haywood Christian Ministries, and funded by Grace Church in the Mountains.

What schools does Anna’s Books support?

Any Haywood County School or Pre-school … or anyone who needs books. Our books are in classrooms at Meadowbrook Elementary, Clyde Elementary, Junaluska Elementary, Bethel Christian Academy, North Canton Elementary, Maggie Valley United Methodist Preschool, and Eagles Nest Preschool. Get in touch to get Anna’s Books in your favorite classroom!

What is the value of used books?

A book is used an average of 4 times before it is “shelved”. Finding ways to reuse these books is not only better for the environment, but when a child sees a book has been visibly loved, it’s like that book has been recommended to them. Not to mention the cost. 50 brand-new children’s books will run for about $500, while used children’s books are rarely over $1 each.

Get Free Books!

Visit Us

Maple Grove United Methodist Church
79 Maple Grove Church Rd
Waynesville, NC
12-2 Saturdays or by appointment

Make Appointment