Earlier this month, 904WARD expanded our Read in Color program to Jacksonville, Florida with a variety of events to celebrate the launch.
904WARD Community Equity & Policy Manager Rhianna Scyster said, “904WARD is honored to partner with Little Free Library on their Read in Color program, embracing the power of words and the beauty of diversity. This month we hosted three community events to kick- off this partnership. On September 28th, we installed and unveiled a Little Free Diverse Library in Orange County with State Representative Anna Eskamani at Zebra Youth.”
On October 6, 904WARD welcomed more than 30 guests to a panel discussion about banned books featuring esteemed panelists: former county superintendent and current CEO of Children Literacy Initiative, Dr. Diana Greene; BIPOC and women-focused bookstore owner, Vanessa Nicolle; youth advocate and author, Harley Campbell; and educator and author, Dr. Carissa McCray.
Then, on October 11, the organization hosted a community celebration featuring book readings from local authors, face painting, book giveaways from The New Republic Banned Book Tour, music, library card sign-ups from the Jacksonville Public Library, and a Jacksonville-favorite sweet treat honey drippers.
Together, 904WARD and Little Free Library are igniting a love for reading and inspiring a world where every story is heard and cherished!
The Read in Color initiative has launched in 16 U.S. cities to date, from New York and Washington, D.C. to Atlanta and Phoenix, with plans for even greater expansion this year. More than 200 Read in Color Little Free Libraries and 50,000+ diverse books celebrating Black, Latinx, Asian, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and other important voices have been shared so far. Learn more and sign the Read in Color pledge!