About KW Little Free Diverse Libraries
The goal of the Kitchener-Waterloo Little Free Diverse Libraries project is to amplify the voices of Black, Indigenous and other writers of colour and to help educate, inspire and encourage and promote anti-racism across the region.
Donations help fill Little Free Libraries throughout KW with titles that allow readers to experience and enjoy both "mirror" books (in which they can see their own experiences reflected) and "window" books (in which they can learn about the lived experiences of others).
Books for this project are for folks of all ages, from babies to adults, and include both fiction and non-fiction. All books are labelled with information about the project before they are put into Little Free Libraries. Readers are encouraged to enjoy the books and return them to a Little Free Library near them when finished so the books can circulate and be enjoyed by many.
As of July 2021, KW Little Free Diverse Libraries has raised over $5000 and purchased or collected over 1100 books that have now been distributed to approximately 275 Little Free Libraries in neighbourhoods across the region. The work continues! Please support this project any way you can -- see options below.
Inspired by
Sarah Kamya and Little Free Diverse Libraries
Little Free Diverse Libraries is the brainchild of Sarah Kamya, a New York City school counsellor and book lover who started this project in June 2020 in her hometown of Arlington, Massachusetts with the goal of amplifying Black voices, celebrating Black stories, and supporting Black-owned book stores. She started small in her own community and the project quickly grew. Sarah's project has now grown into a non-profit called Diverstories.
Sarah has raised thousands of dollars and collected thousands of donated books that have been shipped to all U.S. states. She has inspired people all over the U.S. and Canada to follow suit with Little Free Diverse Libraries projects of their own -- including right here in Kitchener-Waterloo. Thank you, Sarah, for creating this movement!
Be sure to follow Sarah on Instagram @littlefreediverselibraries and, if you are in the U.S., make a donation!
How to Donate
Option 1
Donate money via PayPal or etransfer to murdochdinah@gmail.com.
Donating money allows us to support independent bookstores. Approximately half the funds raised is spent at Black or Indigenous-owned bookstores in the GTA or Southern Ontario and half is spent at independent bookstores in Waterloo Region.
Option 2
Buy books directly from our Indigo book registry. There are over 600 titles to by Black, Indigenous and racialized authors to choose from. Books are shipped directly to me, and are then labelled and distributed to Little Free Libraries.
Option 3
We welcome donations of used books from your own collection. Email me at the address below to arrange for pick-up or drop off. Please ensure the books you're donating are by Black, Indigenous or racialized authors.
Option 4
Add a book directly to one of our Little Free Diverse Libraries in Kitchener's Ward 8. See below for a map of locations. Books can be new, used, fiction, non, for children or for adults. Please ensure the author is Black, Indigenous or racialized.
Ward 8 Project
Thanks to a City of Kitchener #LoveMyHood neighbourhood grant, Kitchener's Ward 8 is now home to a growing number of new Little Free Diverse Libraries! Ultimately, there will be 11 in all.
These new little libraries are spread geographically throughout one of KW's most culturally rich wards, largely in neighbourhoods with an otherwise limited number of little libraries. See below for a map of the Little Free Diverse Libraries currently up and running and those soon to come.
These Little Free Diverse Libraries are dedicated to housing titles by Black, Indigenous and other racialized authors. They work like lending libraries, with the hope that books will be borrowed, then returned for others to enjoy. Signage on both the books and libraries communicate this message in several languages.
We are also counting on members of the community to add books -- of any kind -- just as they would with any other little free library. This will be key to the longterm sustainability of the project. Children's books seem to be especially in demand. Please ensure the authors of books you add to our LFDLs are Black, Indigenous or racialized.
Anyone is welcome to visit one of these Little Free Diverse Libraries to borrow a book. We hope you might add a book in the process, as well!
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