Tumble Reads: Free take-a-book boxes at SFPL branches

Tumbleweeds is excited to be a partner in the Santa Fe Public Library's NEA Big Read, a community-wide celebration of reading, by providing “Tumble Reads” Take-A-Book children's book give-away boxes at all three Santa Fe Public Library Branches.

The boxes are stocked with books for pre-K through young adult in English and Spanish, which have been removed from library circulation because of space limitations but are of good quality for use at home or at school. 

Although libraries remain closed to indoor visitors, Tumble Reads boxes may be accessed at any time, not just during regular curbside pick-up hours. Books don’t have to be checked out, returned or replaced — just taken home and enjoyed. They are filled and maintained by Friends of the Library, volunteers who "work year-round to get books to kids and teachers, every which way they can!" explained Friends president Susan Sheldon.

Tumbleweeds is pleased to help in any way we can. Look for Tumble Reads in our big plastic red or green distribution boxes outside the Main, LaFarge and Southside branches of Santa Public Library, near the curbside pick-up area.

Santa Fe Public Library is one of 84 nonprofit organizations selected to receive an NEA Big Read grant, in partnership with Arts Midwest, to broaden our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. The NEA Big Read in Santa Fe County focuses on Into the Beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea, with special events and activities through June. 

Walter Cook, youth services librarian, reviews several companion books for younger readers in The Big Read Puts Us in Immigrants' Shoes, in the Spring 2021 issue.

Visit the SFPL NEA Big Read Program Guide for a complete schedule of events, from the kick-off concert and scavenger hunt to author talks, book discussions, contests and closing celebration. 

For programs specially geared to children and youth, including creative writing and poetry workshops, storytelling, story times, craft projects and concerts, see Tumbleweeds Calendar of Family Events.
​