There's a striking statistic that often surprises people: in middle-income neighborhoods, there are about 13 books available for every child — but in high-poverty neighborhoods, that drops to just one book for every 300 children.1 And research shows that kids who grow up with books in the home — around 80 or more — become measurably stronger readers as adults.2 That gap doesn't just shape childhood — it shapes futures.
Thanks to a generous donation from the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation, every UHPF property is now home to a Tiny Library. These thoughtfully curated collections bring high-quality books for both children and parents directly into the spaces where our residents live, play, and grow.
The Ivory family has long been passionate about giving children the gift of reading, and the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation has made it a mission to help put Utah on a stronger reading trajectory. The Tiny Libraries are an extension of that vision — a simple, beautiful idea built on the belief that everyone can be a reader when given the chance.
Each library is stocked with books chosen with care. You'll find stories that reflect a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, because seeing yourself in a book is one of the most powerful invitations to keep reading. Equal representation isn't an afterthought here — it's a foundation.
The Tiny Libraries operate on the honor system: take a book, read it, and bring it back when you're done. It's that simple. No library cards, no due dates, no fees — just an open invitation to dive into a great story whenever the mood strikes.
And these shelves won't be left to thin out over time. The Foundation has committed to keeping the libraries stocked, adding new titles as needed so the collections stay fresh, relevant, and exciting for every family who uses them.
The Tiny Libraries are just one piece of the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation's broader commitment to literacy in Utah. The Foundation has also been working to keep school libraries open during the summer months — bridging the gap when access to books too often disappears — along with supporting other reading initiatives across the state.
It's a holistic approach to a real problem, and one that meets families exactly where they are: at home, at school, and everywhere in between.
To Clark and Christine Ivory, and to the entire team at the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation — thank you. Your generosity is opening doors for our residents, one book at a time. We can't wait to see the readers, dreamers, and storytellers who will grow up surrounded by these shelves.
If you live at a UHPF property, we invite you to stop by your community's Tiny Library, pick out a book that catches your eye, and discover what's waiting inside. Happy reading!