E Ola Nā Keiki is excited to partner with Sheila Bradley Books to launch Little Libraries, a community-driven initiative to inspire a love of reading in our youngest learners. These free book-sharing stations are designed especially for keiki ages 5 and under, giving families access to engaging stories that nurture early literacy skills while making reading a joyful part of everyday life.
📚 Our first two Little Libraries are now open!
- Kukui Grove Center
- Kalaheo Neighborhood Center
Stop by, take a book, and join us in creating a culture of reading across our island—because when we read together, we grow together.
Meet Sheila Bradley, Our Little Librarian
We sat down with Sheila Bradley of Sheila Bradley Books to ask why she’s so passionate about reading aloud and helping families build home libraries. Here’s what she shared:
Why I Believe in Reading Aloud and Building a Home Library
“Reading to your baby from birth—maybe even before they’re born—lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning, connection, and confidence. A child’s brain grows the fastest between birth and age 5, and reading aloud during these years plays such a big role in building speech, vocabulary, and communication skills.
Books help kids learn about emotions, new ideas, and the world around them. When they see characters working through feelings or experiencing something new, it helps them understand themselves—and others—a little better. That’s where empathy starts.
Reading also sparks imagination and creativity. It invites kids to ask questions, dream big, and get curious about everything.
But more than anything, reading together creates connection. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Your toddler might be squirming, playing, or coloring while you read—and that’s totally okay. They’re still listening. They’re still soaking it in.
Just 15 minutes a day can expose them to over a million words in a year. That’s huge!
As a mom, I’ve seen the difference books can make. I’ve seen kids choose books over screens and toys—because when books are available, they will reach for them. I’ve seen how having a variety of books in the home helps kids grow in confidence, do better in school, and develop a real love for learning which leads to lifelong success.
That’s why I believe so strongly in helping families build home libraries. It’s not just about reading—it’s laying the foundation for a future full of possibility.”
How You Can Get Involved
- Visit a Little Library: Stop by one of our locations, pick up a book, and enjoy storytime with your keiki.
- Share the Joy: After reading, pass the book along to another child.
- Make Reading Routine: Just 15 minutes a day makes a huge difference in language development and learning success.
Together with Sheila Bradley Books, we’re building a community where every child has access to the magic of books—and the lifelong skills that come with them.
Visit our Little Libraries at Kukui Grove Center and Kalaheo Neighborhood Center today—and help us spark a love of reading across Kauaʻi!
