Little Library, Big Mission

Students can recognize reflections of themselves when they are exposed to a variety of texts and examples that represent multicultural experiences and backgrounds (Sedita, 2022). This fosters a sense of belonging and boosts confidence. However, only 46% of children's books feature characters who are not white (CCBC, 2023). Books have the power to provide a glimpse into worlds beyond our own. Reading diverse literature can help society become more inclusive, empathetic, and understanding. (We Need Diverse Books, 2020)

My professional goal within my school community was to promote diversity through books. The following was my journey:

Action: I installed 2 Little Free Libraries (LFL) on my school’s grounds (the main one in the front and a smaller one in the back). I modeled both to follow the LFL Read in Color program. These LFLs are open and accessible to the surrounding community.

What is it?: Diverse books are included in LFL book-sharing boxes through the Read in Color initiative. Books offer viewpoints on social justice and racism, honor minority voices such as BIPOC and LGBTQ+, and include experiences from all identities for the benefit of all readers (LFL, 2022). There are three key components:

• LFL installation

• Books with diverse characters for Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian American, Muslim, LGBTQ+, and other communities that are appropriate for young readers and adults

• Read in Color pledge showing a commitment to read and share diverse books

How?: After administration approval, I requested a grant from the PTA to cover the cost of the libraries and shipping. While waiting, I requested and collected multicultural books from staff and parents. Once the LFLs were received, I then coordinated with my district's maintenance to permanently install libraries using a concrete base. After installation, I filled both LFLs with a diverse book selection. Finally, I sent a school-wide email explaining the purpose of these LFLs and encouraged the community to read, trade, and add books to support our new diversity reading mission.

Timeframe: 2 months

Final Product:

The true end result was having students see themselves in books. This student response says it all:

MISSION

ACCOMPLISHED!

(We Need Diverse Books, 2023)

References

Cooperative Children’s Book Center. (2023). 2022 CCBC diversity statistics by race/ethnicity. https://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/literature-resources/ccbc-diversity-statistics/

Little Free Library. (2022). Read in color. https://littlefreelibrary.org/programs/read-in-color/

Sedita, J. (2022, January 5). Culturally responsive literacy instruction. Keys to Literacy. https://keystoliteracy.com/blog/culturally-responsive-literacy-instruction/

We Need Diverse Books. (2020). WNDB Illustration 1 [Image]. WNDB. https://diversebooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WNDBIllustration1.png

We Need Diverse Books. (2023). Trophy Kids 2 [Image]. WNDB. https://diversebooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/trophykids2-2.png