Stories Beyond Limits
Imagine a world where every child, every teen, and every adult can see themselves reflected in the pages of a book. Picture a community where stories from diverse perspectives are not just present but celebrated. This is the vision behind our “Stories for All” Annual Fund, dedicated to supporting Little Free Libraries in our community with books written by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) authors.
Why This Matters:
Our community is vibrant and diverse, yet the stories available in our Little Free Libraries don’t always reflect this richness. Representation matters. When people, especially young readers, see characters and authors who look like them, they feel seen, valued, and inspired. It fosters empathy, broadens perspectives, and strengthens the bonds within our community.
The Challenge:
Currently, many Little Free Libraries are stocked with a limited selection of books, often missing voices from BIPOC authors. We want to change this, but we need your help. By supporting our annual fund, you ensure that our libraries are filled with stories that reflect the full spectrum of our community’s experiences and cultures.
Our Goal:
We aim to raise funds to curate and expand our collection of BIPOC-authored books in Little Free Libraries throughout our neighborhood. Your contribution will directly fund:
Diverse Book Selections: Purchasing a wide range of books by BIPOC authors, from children’s literature to young adult and adult fiction.
Library Enhancements: Updating and maintaining Little Free Libraries to ensure they are welcoming and accessible to all community members.
Community Events: Hosting book readings, discussions, and educational workshops to engage the community and celebrate diverse voices.
Support New Library Initiatives: Provide resources, including free books and how-to guides, for like-minded individuals and organizations interested in establishing new Little Free Libraries in underrepresented communities. This will help extend the reach of diverse literature and foster inclusivity in additional neighborhoods.
Founded in October 2021 with the opening of the East Oakland Little Free Library, Stories Beyond Limits aims to promote equitable literacy by offering free books from BIPOC authors to our community.
Stories Beyond Limits prioritizes BIPOC authors and stories to ensure diverse voices and perspectives are represented, promoting a more inclusive and equitable access to literature. By featuring works from these authors, the initiative helps to reflect the varied experiences and backgrounds of the community it serves.
We were thrilled to unveil the Cesar Chavez Elementary School Little Free Library in May 2023, and it turned out absolutely stunning!
This project was made possible through the collaboration of many wonderful partners, and we are deeply grateful to each one for their invaluable contributions.
A special shoutout goes to the incredibly talented artist Pedro Rivas Lopez (@prl_arte), whose artwork has truly brought this library to life with its beauty and creativity.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Erick’s family for allowing us to honor his story and legacy through this library. We hope it will continue to serve as a space for community healing, growth, and inspiration for years to come.
How You Can Help:
Donate: Every dollar counts. Your financial support will go directly toward purchasing books and enhancing our Little Free Libraries.
Spread the Word: Share our campaign with friends, family, and social networks. The more people know about our cause, the more impact we can make.
Get Involved: Volunteer to help maintain Little Free Libraries or organize community events that promote diverse reading.
Join Us:
By contributing to the Little Free Library Annual Fund, you’re not just donating to a cause; you’re investing in a more inclusive, empathetic, and connected community. Together, we can make sure that every person in our neighborhood can see themselves in the stories we share and that every voice is heard and celebrated.