Our 2nd Little Free Antiracist Library is Open!
This weekend, we officially opened our second Little Free Antiracist Library on Firestone Drive in Walnut Creek. Community members gathered for the ribbon cutting, and together we celebrated the beautiful work of artist Adia Millett. The Firestone Library area includes tree stumps donated by neighbors, perfect for reading and reflecting!
We are grateful to our Little Free Antiracist Library stewards. Our objective with these installations was to bring the community together, create space for vital conversations about antiracist work, and ensure that both children and adults have ready access to books that elevate Black voices and inspire us all to understand and eradicate racism. It is so exciting to see this happening in our neighborhoods!
Becoming a Rise Up Against Racism steward was important to Anne Nastor and her young family of five. Nastor, a high school English teacher, deeply understands the transformative power of literature and the importance of representation. “By stewarding, we are giving our friends and neighbors access to this beautiful antiracist collection of authors, stories, and images housed in such a symbolic, bright, and beautiful piece of art.”
Rise Up Against Racism Co-Founder Meg Honey, who also serves as a Library steward, has met with visitors across many generations at her family’s Library. Meg shares: “I love that, at any given moment, there could be a group of children at the Library or an 80-year old neighbor. It’s been wonderful to engage with community members and talk about why these Little Free Antiracist Libraries are so important.”
Likewise, Anne Nastor has seen firsthand how her Little Free Antiracist Library has inspired the young people in her neighborhood. “The kids light up when they open the door and get a book that speaks to them,” explains Anne. “And, they see the power of sharing and community when they return it for a friend to read next. What a meaningful gathering place for antiracist ideas and people of all ages to connect with each other and be forever learning through stories!”
We have been flooded with requests from individuals and groups who are interested in serving as Little Free Antiracist Library stewards. If you would like to learn more about partnering with us in this antiracist work, visit our page here. We cannot wait to install more Libraries throughout our Walnut Creek community and beyond.