Volunteers with the United Way of Greater Houston recently built over 50 small outdoor libraries, resembling large bird houses, to promote literacy among children under 12. Known as Tiny Libraries, the project aims to improve literacy rates by placing the book-filled boxes in schools and other United Way facilities serving communities in need. The United Way initiated the Tiny Libraries project as part of its literacy efforts, with support from the new volunteer organization LINC, whose members helped construct the small libraries boxes.

1. Houston United Way Promotes
Literacy with Tiny Libraries
By Paul Katsus

2. Introduction
• Paul Katsus has worked for CenterPoint Energy in
Houston, Texas, as a service consultant since 1994.
Outside of the office, Paul Katsus supports charitable
organizations such as the United Way and the United
Heart Fund.
Volunteers at the United Way of Greater Houston
recently completed a unique project that involved the
construction of more than 50 small libraries. After the
paint has dried on each of the wooden boxes, which
resemble large bird houses, the libraries will be filled
with books and sent to schools and other United Way
facilities serving communities in need.

3. Houston United Way
• The United Way of Greater Houston initiated the
Tiny Libraries project as part of a larger effort to
improve literacy rates among children under the age
of 12.
The United Way of Greater Houston was supported
in its efforts by LINC, a newly founded organization
that provides young professionals with volunteer
opportunities throughout Houston and the
surrounding areas. Tiny Libraries marked the first
volunteer project undertaken by LINC.