Announcing Read in Color Boston! We are excited to expand our national Read in Color program to the city of Boston, in collaboration with Candlewick Press and 826 Boston. Ten new Little Free Library books-sharing boxes will be established across Boston, each filled with diverse books that provide perspectives on racism and social justice; amplify BIPOC, LGBTQ, and other important voices; and incorporate experiences from all identities for all readers.
Boston’s first Read in Color library was unveiled at Baldwin Early Learning Pilot Academy. Pictured above is Boston Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius sharing books from the library with eager first-grade readers. A virtual celebration featuring Meg Medina, Mayor Kim Janey, and other special guests kicked off the initiative.
“Ensuring that each child in every community can see themselves in the stories they read is central to Candlewick’s mission—and this challenging year has underlined how essential it is that children be able to access such books, regardless of their circumstances,” said Karen Lotz, president and publisher of Candlewick Press and group managing director of the Walker Books Group. “We are so proud to work with LFL and 826 Boston to roll out Read in Color libraries in Boston, and of course can’t imagine a better voice than that of Newbery Medalist and advocate Meg Medina to help mark this occasion!”
Watch the virtual event celebrating Boston’s Read in Color libraries!
Diverse books for Boston’s Read in Color initiative were generously provided by Candlewick or purchased by LFL from local independent businesses like Frugal Bookstore, Boston’s only Black-owned bookstore.
A key community partner in the Read in Color initiative is 826 Boston, a nonprofit organization that builds literacy and writing skills in local youth. 826 Boston participated in the planning and placement of the Read in Color little libraries and will help keep them filled with books.
“826 Boston believes in the power of representation,” said Jenna Leschuk, Development Director at 826 Boston. “We see 826 Boston student-authored books as a key part of these diverse Read in Color libraries. Student voices and stories are powerful tributes to our city that deserve to be shared.”
“We are proud to work alongside such incredible community-centered organizations as Candlewick Press and 826 Boston to improve book access and build community through the sharing of diverse books in Little Free Libraries,” said Shelby King, Director of Programs at LFL. “It is our hope that through these new libraries, books that provide perspectives on racism and social justice; celebrate BIPOC, LGBTQ, and other important voices; and incorporate experiences from all identities for all readers will make their way into the hands and homes of people all over the city.”
Check out where to find Boston’s “Read in Color” Little Free Libraries!
