About

As a mother of three daughters, I was determined to offer them the best in everything—be it quality groceries, the finest playgrounds, or exceptional books. My search for these resources often took me to Alameda, where I discovered numerous Little Free Libraries scattered throughout the community. Upon returning to my East Oakland neighborhood, I realized we were starkly lacking in these valuable community resources.

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While exploring the Little Free Libraries in Alameda, I noticed a common issue: many contained outdated textbooks, old CDs, and books predominantly by white authors. This disparity made me even more determined to bring a Little Free Library to my own neighborhood, where I felt it was desperately needed.

 

As a family originally from San Francisco, I had always envisioned planting roots in our East Oakland home. This vision fueled my desire to create a library that truly reflected the diverse voices and experiences of our community. Growing up, the literature in my school curriculum was dominated by works from white authors, which, despite their classic status, never fully resonated with me. Discovering the works of Silvia Moreno-Garcia, a Mexican-Canadian author known for her science fiction, magical realism, and stories steeped in Mexican culture, was a revelatory experience. Her books provided a sense of identity and joy that I was eager to share.

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Determined to bring a Little Free Library to our neighborhood, I began researching and planning in August 2019. The pandemic delayed my efforts, but by July 2021, I resumed my mission and launched a crowdfunding campaign. Thanks to generous donations, I was able to purchase a Little Free Library kit and hire a local artist. I was fortunate to reconnect with a childhood friend who, inspired by the vision I shared, donated her artistic services and supplies. The East Oakland Little Free Library was officially opened in October 2021. 

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Although we live in East Oakland, our family commutes to San Francisco for both school and work. During this time, I connected with my daughter's elementary school teacher, who was also eager to establish a Little Free Library at the school. I collaborated with her, the school librarian, and the administrative team to bring this project to life. We decided to dedicate the new library in memory of a student who had recently passed away, honoring his legacy. I began the search for an artist who could capture our vision for the library's design. We found a talented artist who was deeply moved by the idea of commemorating little Erick. The library was unveiled during a morning assembly, with Erick's family joining the school community in a heartfelt celebration.

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To this day, I ensure that donations from our community are used to purchase books from BIPOC-owned businesses. I also source books from local thrift stores, maximizing the value of each contribution while supporting our local economy.

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I am incredibly grateful for the support and generosity that helped make this dream a reality. Our Little Free Library stands as a testament to the belief that every community deserves access to diverse and equitable literature.