We are excited to continue our cohort model for our Read in Color® program. Twice yearly, we open applications to organizations interested in participating in a Read in Color cohort. A selection committee of Little Free Library staff and stakeholders reviews applications and invites the strongest applicants to participate in a six-month cohort experience. Let’s meet the selection committee for the Spring 2025 Read in Color cohort!
William Briggs – United Way of Greater Niagara
William Briggs (he/him) is Western New York native with a passion for collaborating with local non-profit agencies to build a stronger community for all. He currently works for United Way of Greater Niagara, managing multiple community development programs, including the annual “14-Week Equity Challenge” in partnership with Niagara University and our very own Read in Color Little Free Library network. He is also an actor in local community theatre productions. William lives in Lockport, NY, with his wife, Sophie, and their three cats: Linus, Tony, and Orla.
Cindy Eggleton – Brilliant Cities
Cindy Eggleton is the co-founder and CEO of Brilliant Detroit and Brilliant Cities, nonprofit organizations that build kid success neighborhoods where families with children ages 0-8 have what they need to be school-ready, healthy, and supported. A major part of Brilliant’s work is building a love for literacy in Detroit youth. Little Free Library’s mission of getting books into the hands of children and families perfectly aligns with Brilliant’s approach of meeting people where they are at. LFL’s Read in Color program’s focus on culturally relevant books has sparked excitement in young readers. Brilliant Detroit has Read in Color libraries outside each of their neighborhood hubs (16 and counting) assuring that families have access to high quality books at any time.
Dr. Nneka Gigi – KWENU
Dr. Nneka Gigi is a passionate advocate for literacy and cultural representation, driven to create equitable access to books in underserved communities. As a champion of the Little Free Library Read in Color program, she has helped install and stock 13 culturally diverse libraries across book deserts, donating over 3,000 books that resonate with children and families by reflecting their experiences and heritage. Through her nonprofit Kwenu and its inaugural program Beyond Adornment Club (B.A.C.), Dr. Gigi’s mission has evolved into a national initiative in partnership with Black-owned and -led midwifery centers, using literacy as an early intervention tool to address Black infant and maternal mortality rates. Her work fosters a love of reading while celebrating and uplifting historically marginalized voices—a powerful testament to her dedication to education, social impact, and the transformative power of inclusive storytelling.
Dionne Sims – Black Garnet Books
Dionne Sims is the founder of Black Garnet Books, an independent bookstore selling books and art by authors and illustrators of color. A supporter of the Read in Color program since its launch, Dionne continues to partner with Little Free Library to provide free, diverse books to the Hamline-Midway and Rondo neighborhoods of Saint Paul, MN. You can find Black Garnet Books’ mobile Little Free Library (Charter #159419) outside of the bookstore on days it is open!
Sabrina West-Morris – Little Free Library Board of Directors
Sabrina West-Morris is a career educator who believes in book access for all. She is also the mother of a son and daughter who were able to see more of themselves in the pages of children’s books because it was a focused pursuit in their household. In believing every child should see themselves in books, Sabrina will use her platform to work toward that goal.
Shelby King – Little Free Library | Director of Programs
Shelby King (she/her) oversees Little Free Library’s programs—all of which provide no-cost book-sharing boxes and books to communities where books are scarce. She has been with the organization for 8 years and has worn a lot of hats during her time with LFL. Her favorite role has been working with partner organizations across the country to expand book access. She lives in Hudson, WI, with her husband, two elementary-aged kids, and her Pitbull Pepperoncini. Shelby loves reading YA fiction, hosting parties, getting tattoos, and working hard to make sure the people she connects with feel valued and seen.
Lexie Neeley – Little Free Library | Program Manager, Read in Color
Lexie Neeley (she/her) has been a member of the Little Free Library team since 2019. With several years of experience working closely with stewards (and being a steward herself) and program execution, Lexie is known to ask, “How can I help?”. She lives and works in St. Paul, MN, with her partner, Cory, and her dog, Petunia. She enjoys reading, cooking, and engaging with communities to foster meaningful connections.
Learn more about Read in Color and check out our Read in Color recommended reading lists.