Free Little Library

Dr. Zara Zahid, pediatric dentist at Carilion Dental Care, combined her passion for education and her patients’ love of reading to create the Free Little Library — a fun, meaningful alternative to the usual post-visit toy. Instead of picking a toy from a basket, young patients now select a free book to take home after visits — no returns required. The goal is to spark a love of reading and make books more accessible.

Special thanks to the many team members and community supporters who helped bring this idea to life: Donna Deadrick, Dr. Vydia Permashwar, Jodie Baker, Lisa Russell, Kaylee Altice, Britnee Gallegos, Vanessa Caldeira, Thomas and Dannette High, Dana Cassell, Christina Gregory, and Sallie Cappellari.

Since launching in August, the library has given out hundreds of books — but as demand grows, donations are more important than ever! Friends and families are encouraged to donate new or gently used books to keep the shelves full and the selection fresh.

Want to help? You can drop off or mail books (ages 1–17) to:

Carilion Dental Care

4348 Electric Rd, Entrance 3, 2nd Floor
Roanoke, VA 24018
Attn: Dr. Zahid, Rachel Fox, or Britnee Gallegos

Every donated book helps bring the joy of reading to another child!