Hello, I am Janeice Haynes the owner of Detroit Book City -- a 10 years old, Black-owned independent bookstore dedicated to promoting African American literature and culture for families. It was founded in January 2016 with hosting the African American Family Book Expo & Read-in during the month of February 2017 featuring Black Indie Authors. We started off as a brick-n-mortar, but now operate a very active online store and pop-ups around the city at major events throughout the year. We also operate a BookUP! Literacy Day program, a one-day book fair at the school level (PreK-12). Student, parents and staff get access to purchase a large selection of diverse culturally-rich titles, meet 'Grandma Nanu Sparkle' and some dynamic local authors | storytellers! We're excited to host our 2nd Annual Book Drive "Santa In The City" Village to put books in the hands of 100 needy kids in Metro Detroit. The three books we have chosen allow kids to see positive portrayals of characters who look like them, share their tradition and celebrate heritage. They also help them affirm their sense of self-worth and belonging. As a bookseller, I know first hand there are not many holiday books on the market that are culturally diverse. And, these beautifully illustrated stories written by Black authors will not only bring holiday magic to the children but make a lasting impression for years to come, another book to add to their home library. Last year’s event was a success and we hope to exceed our goal of donating 100 plus this year with your support! Please donate!

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Detroit Book City is back for our 2nd Annual Holiday Book Drive! The gift of a book can open a world of imagination, confidence and discovery for children. Yet for many families struggling to make ends meet, books can become an expense that has to wait. Detroit Book City believes every child deserves to experience the joy of opening a brand-new book during the holiday… to see stories, characters and possibilities that reflect their life and community.

That’s why Detroit Book City BookUp Literacy Program is returning!!! I can’t wait to place one or two heart-warming Christmas picture books into the hands of 100 needy children. Last year, we experienced something amazing. Children and families showed up for a special holiday experience at ‘Santa in the City Village’. Upon entry they met me…Nanu Sparkle “Mrs. Santa”, ate snacks and participated in festive hands-on activities. Moving from station to station, they ultimately chose their holiday book of choice. Seeing their smiles, excitement and pride reminded me just how powerful access to books can be!

Moving forward, we will continue to honor these three beautifully illustrated picture books because they allow the kids to see positive portrayals of characters who look like them, share their tradition and celebrate heritage. This curated collection helps them affirm their sense of self-worth and belonging. And as a bookseller, I know first hand there are not many holiday books on the market that are culturally diverse.

Our goal is to put one to two books on 100 kid’s book shelves that they can connect with and see themselves in. What is more rewarding, this can be the start of a home library for many kids which leads to improved academic and social outcomes.

✨Are you ready to donate your $20? Take a look at the magic inside each of these holiday stories: (click to see full descriptions and reviews)

Santa In the City by Tiffany D. Jackson ~ A heart-warming picture book that shows how Santa brings holiday magic to children in the city, reminding little ones that Christmas joy can be found everywhere.

Santa's Gotta Go! By Derrick Barnes ~ A laugh-out-loud story about Santa deciding to take a vacation after Christmas—only to realize the world isn’t quite ready to let him go. Fun, lively, and full of holiday spirit!

The Real Santa by Nancy Reed ~ a beautifully illustrated celebration that shows Santa can be real in many different ways, reflecting diverse families and traditions during the holidays.

Donate $20 and partner with us to share the gift of literacy, imagination and holiday cheer to one, two or three children this holiday season! We will purchase copies of these books and the Santa stockings along with all of the station-to-station giveaways and snacks.

Pick-up day: Sat. December 12th - Location: TBA

Kids will meet Nanu Sparkle “Mrs. Santa” in-person, eat snacks and participate in hands-on activities… from station to station before ultimately choosing their holiday book of choice…just-in-time for Christmas.

Online “Read-A-Loud”: Sun. December 19th, Kids across Metro Detroit will be invited to partake in this virtual festivity!

How You Can Help?

$20 – Provides one child with a brand-new book! (your choice of Santa in the City, Santa’s Gotta Go!, or The Real Santa)

$40 – Gifts books to two children. (give double the joy to two children!)

$60 – Gift books to three children to experience the joy of reading this holiday season.

Any amount makes a difference and brings us closer to THE GOAL of reaching 100 Kids! Let’s continue to spread Holiday Joy … inspiring a lifelong love of reading. Are you ready to give children in Metro Detroit BOOKS… the greatest gift of all?

Donate today and help us reach 100 Kids for Christmas 2026!

The Book Drive runs: Oct. 22 thru Nov. 19

Kids with accompanying parent/guardian will pick-up the physical books “in-person” on Saturday Dec. 12, 2026 from 11am-2pm (or until book supplies run out).

The Virtual Read-A-Loud is scheduled for Sun. Dec. 19th – a link will be emailed to each parent.

Learn more about Detroit Book City:

BookUp Literacy Program

Learn more about: Detroit Book City

Thank you for being a part of this incredible holiday miracle for 100 Children in Metro Detroit! DONATE $20 TODAY!!!