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Children whose families rely on Fairfax nonprofit Britepaths can now choose books of their own from a cozy new in-office library called The Secret Garden.
Britepaths unveiled the free book nook with a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 18. Stocked with new and gently used books donated by community members, businesses and civic groups, the space is intended to encourage reading, strengthen literacy skills and help children build home libraries.
The selection includes board books for babies and toddlers, picture books, chapter books and young-adult novels in multiple languages.
“For many families we serve, books can feel like a luxury when essentials like food and housing take priority,” Executive Director Abra Kurt said. She described The Secret Garden as a joyful place where young people can explore stories and develop a lasting enthusiasm for reading.
Kurt said the project adds a new element to Britepaths’ existing family services. The organization hopes it will help narrow the reading gap for children whose families may be unable to afford books after paying for necessities.
Families from Daniels Run Elementary School in Fairfax City joined Britepaths representatives and community supporters for the opening. Attendees included Board of Directors President Karen Wheeler, board member Gabe Derosier and Kimberly Reinhard, immediate past president of the Northern Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children.
The library began with a donation of 50 books from Cindy Southworth. Kurt said community contributions supplied everything in the space, including its shelves and bookmarks.
Kurt traced her passion for the project to a childhood spent surrounded by books. While her father favored history and biographies, she gravitated toward Nancy Drew mysteries, Judy Blume novels, the “Little House on the Prairie” series and “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Her favorite was “The Secret Garden,” which inspired the book nook’s name.
Her involvement with literacy continued in adulthood through volunteer work with The Reading Connection. In 2012, she also founded The Cover Girls, a 10-member book club that remains active.
Kurt had wanted to create the library since joining Britepaths in early 2023. She called its completion a labor of love made possible by widespread generosity.
Reinhard said early access to books can strengthen children’s language, literacy, cognitive and social-emotional development. She described the nook as an inviting space rooted in the belief that reading can expand children’s understanding of themselves and the world.
Access to books should be available to every child rather than limited to families that can afford them, Reinhard said. She added that supporting literacy does more than prepare children for school—it can also open future opportunities and expose young readers to lives and possibilities beyond their own experiences.
After the ribbon cutting, Herndon resident Denise Erazo watched her three children—Josue, 7; Addelyn, 5; and Caleb, 3—browse the shelves and select books to bring home. Erazo, who also planned to use Britepaths’ emergency food pantry, had visited that day specifically for the opening.
She praised the free library as a way to help children improve their literacy skills.
Britepaths is accepting new and gently used books for children and teenagers in all languages. Individuals, schools and local organizations may also organize book drives or make financial contributions to keep The Secret Garden stocked.
Founded in 1984, Britepaths serves Northern Virginia families and individuals through programs addressing food insecurity, financial education and workforce development.