Rise Up & Replenish

A teen service project with our Little Free Antiracist Libraries

EVENT: SUNDAY, FEB 22 • LIBRARY SERVICE WINDOW: THROUGH SUNDAY, MAR 8

Rise Up & Replenish is a two-part service project:
Part 1: Book plating and prep on Sunday, Feb 22
Part 2: A library visit to clean and restock one library by Sunday, Mar 8

What you’ll find on this page

Rise Up & Replenish has two connected parts:

  • Part 1: Our teen event on February 22, where we plate and sticker books together

  • Part 2 (the most important part): Your library visit to clean, refresh, and restock a Little Free Antiracist Library

This page is your hub for:

Sign up to service a library

After you attend the Rise Up & Replenish event, you can complete the second half of this project by servicing one of our Little Free Antiracist Libraries. This is where the real impact happens—your visit gets these books out into the world and keeps our libraries looking cared for.

Choose a library below. Each slot is for 1 to 2 teen volunteers (and their parent/driver, if applicable) per library. You’ll gather your prepped books at the event on Feb 22, visit your library, and follow the steps in the “How to clean and restock a library” section on this page.

Please plan to complete your library visit by Sunday, March 8, 2026.

SIGN UP

How to clean and restock a library

At the library

  1. Take a “before” photo or video

    Take a clear photo of the shelves and one of the outside of the box.

    NOTE: Vertical photos and short videos, about 5 to 10 seconds, work best for Instagram Reels and Stories

  2. Remove books that do not fit our mission or are in bad shape

    Our Little Free Antiracist Libraries are meant to feature stories that center underrepresented groups.

    • Gently remove books that are:

      • Not aligned with this mission (for example, random commercial paperbacks, outdated titles, or books that clearly do not support equity or inclusion)

      • Torn or in poor condition

      • Place all removed books in your box so the library stays tidy

  3. Clean the library and surrounding area

    • Use your cloth and mild soapy water to wipe the shelves, inside walls, and door handle

      • Clear out cobwebs, leaves, and any trash around the base

      • Pull any small weeds around the library so the area looks cared for and is easy to walk up to

      • Make sure the door opens and closes well (if you notice damage, take a photo so we know what needs repair)

  4. Restock with new books

    • Have you partner snap some photos or videos of the restocking process

  5. Take “after” photos and short videos

    • Take a clear “after” photo of the refreshed shelves

    • Get a short video, about 5 to 10 seconds, panning across the books or highlighting a favorite title

Before you go: gather supplies

  • Plated books from the Rise Up & Replenish event

  • Bring:

    • A small trash bag

    • A squirt bottle or small container of mild soapy water (no harsh cleaners or strong chemicals)

    • A rag or paper towels

    • Gardening gloves (helpful for pulling weeds or picking up debris)

    • A sturdy box for books you remove from the library

    • Your phone for photos and video

  • Check the address and directions for your library

  • Plan for about 30 to 45 minutes on site, plus drive time

After your visit

  • Sort the removed books

    • Recycle any that are badly damaged or not suitable for donation

    • Donate the rest to a local public library

  • Text us your favorite photos and videos of your library

  • We are happy to confirm hours for schools or service organizations if needed!

Safety note

If you arrive and something does not feel safe or comfortable, do not try to fix it yourself. Leave the area and let your parent or guardian and your Rise Up contact know what you saw.

Thank you for helping keep our Little Free Antiracist Libraries clean, full, and welcoming for every reader.

— Co-founders of Rise Up Against Racism: Meg, Sarah & Jenny