PMHS student’s Little Free Library part of new ‘Read in Color’ program

PMHS+students+Little+Free+Library+part+of+new+Read+in+Color+program

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Sarah Tapogna. The Pelham Examiner publishes announcemensts in the form received as a service to the community.

One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had started when I discovered what Little Free Libraries were almost 5 years ago. A little free library is a free book exchange where people can “take a book, leave a book,” as the motto of the Little Free Library Organization states. I started my library 4 years ago now as my b’nei mitzvah community service project, which became the first little free library in lower Westchester. From building the library to collecting the books to put inside, it has always been a very rewarding experience to create a book exchange for this community.

Recently, my library has become part of Little Free Library’s new ‘Read in Color’ program created in 2020. Less than 25% of children’s books depict non-white characters, and the goal of this program is to allow anyone regardless of their identity to see themselves represented in the books they read, while allowing others to learn about experiences and lives different from their own. The mission of ‘Read in Color’ is to “distribute books that provide perspectives on racism and social justice; celebrate BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized voices; and incorporate experiences from all identities for all readers … and increase understanding, empathy, and inclusion.”

As part of this program expanding to New York, libraries were chosen to receive collections of diverse books to put in their libraries and share with their communities. I’ve been so excited and thankful for my library to have been chosen, and I hope that these books will be welcomed and appreciated by anyone who visits my library. Books that are currently in the library include BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disability, Muslim, Jewish, and anti-racism books with fiction and non-fiction books for all ages. In addition, we have books in both Spanish and English. More books will be added in the future as people visit and trade books in the library. This has already been very successful with my neighborhood, and I am hoping to reach even more people in and around Pelham to support and grow this program. Anyone who is interested please stop by and check out the books, your patronage is greatly appreciated!

Library location – 175 Sparks Avenue (down the street from J Cafe)

List of multicultural books recommended by Little Free Library