As we step into another vibrant season, the SCBWI-Michigan Equity & Inclusion Team is thrilled to celebrate our Third Annual Little Free Library Day—a grassroots initiative we launched three years ago to champion literacy, diversity, and community engagement across Michigan.
Little Free Library Day is more than an event. It’s a movement! All of us, whether authors, illustrators, educators, families, or book lovers, hold the power to enrich a child’s view of themselves and others through stories. Books are for ALL kids!
Why Little Free Library Day Matters
Little Free Libraries have long symbolized generosity,
curiosity, and community. But our SCBWI-MI celebration adds a critical layer: diverse
representation.
As Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop teaches us, children need mirrors,
windows, and sliding glass doors: stories that reflect their identities,
offer glimpses into others’ lives, and invite them to step into new
worlds with empathy and imagination.
Little Free Library Day amplifies this truth by encouraging
creators and community members to stock local Little Free Libraries with books
featuring characters from underrepresented groups. Every donated book becomes a
spark—a moment of recognition, empowerment, or discovery for a child who picks
it up.
Community Spotlight
Last year’s celebration drew creators from across Michigan
and beyond, including a heartfelt contribution from the Detroit Chapter of
the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., whose members donated books throughout
Wayne and Oakland Counties. Their commitment to literacy and service added a
powerful layer of impact to the day.
We look forward to welcoming even more partners, families,
and creators this year as the movement continues to grow.
A Call to Action. An Open Invitation to ALL
Little Free Library Day isn’t just for authors and
illustrators. It isn’t just for SCBWI members. It’s for everyone who
believes in the power of stories to shape hearts, minds, and communities.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, librarian, student,
neighbor, or simply someone who loves books, you are warmly invited to join us.
Grab your kids and have fun creating a special moment! Every participant helps
expand access to diverse stories, and every book shared becomes a moment of
joy, connection, and representation for a child who needs it.
Your donated
book can spark belonging. Your kind gesture can spread book love.
Your
participation can help ensure all children see themselves in the stories around
them.
On this special day, September 26th, we
encourage everyone to:
- Donate
a diverse book to a Little Free Library near you
- Snap a
photo or a quick video of you making your contribution
- On LFL
Day, share it on social media and tag us: @littlefreelibrary @SCBWImichigan
#readincolor, #diversebooksforkids, #weneeddiversebooks, and #SCBWI
- Spread
the message of literacy, diversity, and community far and wide
Together, we can fill Little Free Libraries across Michigan
and beyond with stories that celebrate every child’s identity, culture, and
imagination.
With love, literacy, and diversity,
Naomi V. Dunsen-White
Chairperson, Equity & Inclusion Team
Thank you, Naomi, for your inspiring post! I wanted to add one more name of someone who's stepped up for Little Free Library Day in a big way: Sonya Hollins. Last year, Sonya donated an entire wagon of books to Lincoln International School's LFL established by Principal Dionna Roberts. Kalamazoo is fortunate to have such leaders in our midst!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this valuable initiative, and it's encouraging to see community partnerships too!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Naomi, for leading this important initiative. I look forward to LFL every year.
ReplyDelete