March 4th marked a significant milestone for TEXAS YES as we unveiled our 50th Little Locker in New Braunfels, Texas. In partnership with First Chance Foundation, this is our first Little Locker in New Braunfels and is located at the Community Garden behind Connections IFS. The event, held during National Reading Month, underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering literacy and providing accessible resources to communities across Texas.

The Little Locker Project, inspired by the concept of “Little Libraries,” offers free books and educational materials to students, parents, and guardians. Our goal is to ignite a passion for reading and support academic growth, especially in areas where access to libraries may be limited. Each locker is restocked every 4-6 weeks, reflecting the enthusiastic engagement of the communities we serve.

Our collaboration with First Chance Foundation exemplifies the power of community partnerships in expanding the reach and impact of the Little Locker Project. By working together, we can bring these valuable resources to more neighborhoods, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to explore new stories and ideas.

The enthusiasm from students has been heartwarming. They eagerly anticipate the opportunity to borrow books they might not have encountered otherwise, fostering a genuine love for reading. Educators have also observed the positive influence of the Little Lockers. For instance, Florinda Castillo, principal at Frank Madla Elementary School, highlighted the significance of literacy programs and the transformative effect these lockers have on her community.

As of March 2025, TEXAS YES has installed a total of 53 Little Lockers across the state, serving approximately 10,600 students each month. The distribution is as follows:

• San Antonio: 28
• Corpus Christi: 13
• Dallas-Fort Worth: 5
• Austin: 7

We are excited to announce that three additional lockers were also unveiled in March, further extending our reach and impact.

We invite you to locate a Little Locker near you by visiting our website. Your support and engagement are vital as we continue to champion literacy and provide essential resources to communities throughout Texas.