Brightspeed Brings Free Books to 22 “Book Desert” Communities Across 10 States in First Year

Fiber provider seeks local leaders to expand Little Free Library initiative to additional underserved towns

Charlotte, N.C. — March 26, 2026 — In many rural and underserved communities, access to books isn’t just limited; it’s miles away. One year after launching its Little Free Library partnership, Brightspeed is helping change that reality, installing 22 free book exchanges across 10 states in communities identified as “book deserts.”

Working alongside local volunteers, the nation’s third-largest fiber builder has placed the bright yellow libraries in neighborhoods where access to literacy resources is often scarce. Now families in towns across Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and North Carolina have access to free books 24/7.

“Access to books is fundamental to continued education, opportunity and connection within any thriving community,” says Tali Kulbeda, head of local marketing and partnerships at Brightspeed. “We’re proud of the progress made in just one year, thanks to the dedication from local stewards and residents who have joined us in cutting the ribbon of each new library and donated books to support their neighbors.”

Since March of 2025, Brightspeed has installed Little Free Libraries in:

Each library is maintained by a local steward – a resident, small business owner or community organization – who helps keep the library stocked and books accessible. In many communities, the boxes have quickly become informal gathering points, where neighbors exchange stories as often as they exchange books.

“When I learned that Brightspeed was donating Little Free Libraries to various communities, I immediately knew the partnership with our Kids Read for Free nonprofit program would be a great way to expand access in the downtown area,” says Andrew McElroy, local steward and co-founder of Johnson’s Literary Depot in Johnson City, TN. “Our new bright yellow library draws attention to our patio and Kids Read for Free program even when we aren’t open.

Since setting it up, we have already distributed more than 500 books. Having partners like Brightspeed helps us fulfill our mission with Kids Read for Free by providing free access to books for children to build personal libraries, impacting children’s literacy in Northeast Tennessee.”

Little Free Library’s mission reflects Brightspeed’s broader investment in the communities it serves, where the digital divide and literacy gaps often overlap. As the company continues expanding high-speed fiber internet access, it is also working to ensure families have the foundational tools, like books, to fully benefit from that connectivity. With several installations still planned, Brightspeed is currently seeking volunteer stewards in:

·       Chambersburg, PA

·       Eden, N.C.

·       Elizabethton, TN

·       Kinston, N.C.

·       Warren, OH

Residents, nonprofits and local businesses in these communities are encouraged to apply here.

Brightspeed Fiber Internet is currently available to more than 2.9 million families and businesses across 20 states, with thousands more locations coming online every month. Residents and businesses can check if Brightspeed Fiber Internet is available in their area by visiting www.brightspeed.com.

About Brightspeed

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. and with assets and associated operations in 20 states, Brightspeed provides broadband and telecommunications services through a network platform capable of serving more than 7.3 million homes and businesses. Our nearly 4,000 employees are committed to building a future where more communities benefit from a more connected life, deploying a state-of-the-art fiber network and a customer experience that makes being connected as simple as it should be. For more information, please visit www.brightspeed.com.

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