The Norridge Diverse Feminist Little Free Library
Donation protected
Inspired by LittleFreeDiverseLibraries on Instagram, my wonderful friend Lauren is on a mission to bring diverse books to the children and adults in her predominantly white neighborhood.
Below is a message from Lauren describing her neighborhood and her motivation behind building this library.
Building a Little Free Library that has a specific theme is quite expensive because you not only need to build it but you need to stock it. As Lauren's friend, I'm committed to helping her collect the books but she still needs to build the library itself. Sure, they could build one from low cost or found materials but I want them to build a library that will last the test of time and survive the harsh winters of Chicago. As it turns out, these little buildings are spendy if done correctly. I'll help get the books, but we need your help to build the structure.
The library is $329 plus a post that is roughly $100 plus shipping. If there is any remaining funds after the purchase of the library, she will buy more books.
If you want to help with the books, you can send one from her Amazon list.
If you'd like to donate used books, please contact me for info on how to do that.
From Lauren:
"I’ve been reading, and learning, and listening. I’ve also been trying to find something I can do to make a difference, however small, in this world.
Mark and I live in a beautiful little suburb just across the street from Chicago, on the north side. We fell in love with our home, and also the incredible population of immigrants that are settled here. As of 2017, 30.7% of Norridge residents were born outside the US, compared to a national average of 13.7%.
Despite this diversity, Norridge, like most of Chicago’s north side, is overwhelmingly (97%) white.
I think often about what kind of impact it will have on my children, to grow up in a neighborhood where almost everyone looks like them. Our bookshelves at home and the media we consume is intentionally diverse and features lots of strong women. But we can always do and be better. We will make it a point to seek out new experiences and explore different neighborhoods.
And to make a small impact on our own little neighborhood, I have begun working to cultivate a Diverse Feminist Little Free Library. Once it’s built, it will have its home in our front yard, and I will intentionally stock it with books written by and featuring people of color, women, and other minority groups. I will include books for both children and adults, but my primary focus is children’s books.
If you’d like to help me get started, I’ve started an Amazon wishlist to build the initial library stock. This is not a comprehensive list and I’m open to book suggestions!
This is heavily inspired by @LittleFreeDiverseLibraries who I found on Instagram. I am so grateful for her work in the world and her community!"
Below is a message from Lauren describing her neighborhood and her motivation behind building this library.
Building a Little Free Library that has a specific theme is quite expensive because you not only need to build it but you need to stock it. As Lauren's friend, I'm committed to helping her collect the books but she still needs to build the library itself. Sure, they could build one from low cost or found materials but I want them to build a library that will last the test of time and survive the harsh winters of Chicago. As it turns out, these little buildings are spendy if done correctly. I'll help get the books, but we need your help to build the structure.
The library is $329 plus a post that is roughly $100 plus shipping. If there is any remaining funds after the purchase of the library, she will buy more books.
If you want to help with the books, you can send one from her Amazon list.
If you'd like to donate used books, please contact me for info on how to do that.
From Lauren:
"I’ve been reading, and learning, and listening. I’ve also been trying to find something I can do to make a difference, however small, in this world.
Mark and I live in a beautiful little suburb just across the street from Chicago, on the north side. We fell in love with our home, and also the incredible population of immigrants that are settled here. As of 2017, 30.7% of Norridge residents were born outside the US, compared to a national average of 13.7%.
Despite this diversity, Norridge, like most of Chicago’s north side, is overwhelmingly (97%) white.
I think often about what kind of impact it will have on my children, to grow up in a neighborhood where almost everyone looks like them. Our bookshelves at home and the media we consume is intentionally diverse and features lots of strong women. But we can always do and be better. We will make it a point to seek out new experiences and explore different neighborhoods.
And to make a small impact on our own little neighborhood, I have begun working to cultivate a Diverse Feminist Little Free Library. Once it’s built, it will have its home in our front yard, and I will intentionally stock it with books written by and featuring people of color, women, and other minority groups. I will include books for both children and adults, but my primary focus is children’s books.
If you’d like to help me get started, I’ve started an Amazon wishlist to build the initial library stock. This is not a comprehensive list and I’m open to book suggestions!
This is heavily inspired by @LittleFreeDiverseLibraries who I found on Instagram. I am so grateful for her work in the world and her community!"
Organizer and beneficiary
Jackie Zimmerman
Organizer
Madison Heights, MI
Lauren Erbach Barnfield
Beneficiary
