IMAGINE A WORLD IN WHICH ALL CHILDREN SEE THEMSELVES IN THE PAGES OF A BOOK!

Join Thriving Thursday and Metro United Way in this project designed to encourage young readers!

Thriving Thursday is a group for Black women at Humana whose mission is to leverage the knowledge, talent and resources to provide leadership development and career opportunities to fellow Black women. This is a welcome space to share experiences, supply access to resources and learning opportunities, become inspired by other members, and provide a pathway to leadership opportunities.

WHY BOOKS? 

At Metro United Way (MUW), we know access to books is a leading indicator of a child’s success in school. We also know that when children see themselves reflected in books, it shows them that there is value in all aspects of their identity – including attributes related to race and culture. 

Little Free Libraries are book–sharing boxes that provide 24/7 access to free books for individuals and families. MUW has a network of 40 Little Free Libraries that are restocked biweekly with donated books. MUW does not always have control over what donated books we receive, so we have to be intentional about diversity and representation. That is why MUW is partnering with Thriving Thursday to purchase and distribute critically acclaimed and age-appropriate books written by and for people of color.

We invite you to purchase a book for our Little Free Libraries at the bottom of this page – CLICK HERE.

WHY A NOTE?  

Receiving a book is a powerful thing, but it is even more so when coupled with an encouraging note from someone who cares. These notes create a personal connection to young readers and inspire them to read that book again and again. That is why, in addition to helping us purchase a book, we ask for you to take the time to write a note! You can submit your “Dear Reader” notes below, and each note will be printed onto a label and affixed to a donated book.

Project Instructions:

Step One: In the box below, write a “Dear Reader” note to the young reader who chooses this book from the Little Free Library. Be creative and have fun writing your notes – they can include your favorite inspirational quote, a word of advice, a simple joke/riddle, or kind words of encouragement. (We want the notes to be inclusive, so please do not include religious messaging.)

Example messages include:

  • Knowledge is power! As long as you keep reading and learning, nothing can stop you!
  • “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
  • Readers are achievers! You are a future leader, and our community is proud of you!

Step Two: Submit five (5) “Dear Reader” notes for us to place on books going out into the community. Please make sure each message is unique. You can submit this form more than once with additional notes.

Thank you for the support of this project and thank YOU for taking the time to encourage reading and brighten a child’s day!

 

YOU CAN HELP US FILL A LIBRARY THIS MONTH BY PURCHASING A BOOK BELOW

The average book price on our list is $10. We will be purchasing the books below and similar titles:

  • Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
  • Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World
  • Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History
  • Ordinary People Change the World: I am Harriet Tubman
  • Ordinary People Change the World: I am Rosa Parks
  • Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea
  • Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different

Together, we can ensure that every child sees themselves in the pages of a book!

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