Full Breakdown
Greenwich Teen Fosters Community Giving Through Books
1/13/2026, 5:43:05 AM
Tess Hennigan's Philanthropic Initiative
Sixteen-year-old Tess Hennigan, a junior at Greenwich High School, has combined her passion for reading with a commitment to community service through her initiative, A Bookshelf for Better. Tess, who serves as vice president of her school's Book Club, believes that reading fosters connection and empathy. “I think of reading as a great way to get out of your head and help you think about what’s going on in other people’s lives,” she stated.
In late October, Tess announced her support for The Undies Project, a local nonprofit that provides new undergarments to those in need. Her project aims to address food insecurity and other local issues by donating proceeds from book sales to various nonprofits. “We’re lifting up the community by sharing something we love—a good book—for the benefit of others,” she explained.
The Bookshelf Initiative
Tess launched her project last spring by placing her first bookshelf at Birch Bakehouse in Old Greenwich, where she received support from owner Daina Olesen. The bookshelf is stocked with books sourced from family, friends, and community donations, including finds from a used book bin at the town dump. “I’ve found some amazing books there that I couldn’t believe had been thrown away—popular titles that were still on bestseller lists,” Tess noted.
Books are available for a suggested donation of $5, which can be sent to Tess via Venmo. She emphasizes flexibility in donations, stating, “Some people give me more, and some people have given me less. I want people to give what they can afford.” Tess has observed varying sales trends, noting that adult book club favorites tend to sell better than children's books.
Expansion and Future Plans
Tess has recently set up a new bookshelf at Aux Délices in Darien and plans to host occasional pop-up events. “It’s always been my intention to have this be a roving thing,” she said, expressing excitement for future opportunities. To keep the community informed about her project, Tess encourages followers to check her Instagram @bookshelfforbetter.
Criticism and Learning Experiences
While Tess's project has been well-received, she has faced challenges in understanding market preferences. She initially believed that children's books would be popular but found that titles like Ann Napolitano’s *Hello Beautiful* and Abraham Verghese’s *The Covenant of Water* resonated more with her audience. This learning curve reflects her adaptability and commitment to improving her initiative.
Conclusion
Tess Hennigan's A Bookshelf for Better exemplifies how a young individual can leverage personal interests to foster community engagement and support local nonprofits. Through her love of reading, Tess not only promotes literacy but also addresses pressing social issues, creating a sustainable model for community giving.
