My name is Jeremy Teddy Karn . I am a Liberian poet, a graduate from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Houston.

Like thousands of other Liberians, I grew up in a country where war shaped my childhood and interrupted my schooling. Entire generations have been left without access to books and learning spaces that could have helped us all dream bigger.

And In Liberia today, people have stopped depending on our government to give us what we need; we have decided to do things for ourselves and others, especially those who want to read, write, and learn. The U.S Embassy library and the newly established Liberian Learning Center are not enough to cater to the growing population of Liberian students and writers.

That is why, in 2024, some friends and I established the Pepper Coast Library Project. Our dream is simple but powerful: to establish free, modern reading rooms in and around Monrovia where children and students can access books, discover literature, and grow their imaginations.

What We’ve Accomplished So Far

Liberians studying abroad—in the United States and Europe—have been gathering books one by one. We’ve bought used books from public libraries and thrift stores. We’ve received generous donations from the Coralville Public Library in Iowa, the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and many kind people across the U.S. We have also received twenty boxes of books from the International Book Project.

Together, we’ve collected over 10,000 books—including children’s books, novels, reference materials, poetry collections, and nonfiction works. This is far more than we ever imagined when we started.

And we’re still collecting. We want to gather as many books as possible.

Why We Need Your Help

Our biggest challenges now are shipping the books to Liberia and beginning the process of setting up our first reading room, starting in 2026. Right now, we are focusing on shipping the books to our country.

Shipping thousands of books overseas is expensive. Storage, customs, transportation, and eventually furnishing the reading room—all of this requires support that goes beyond what we, as students, can afford.

Your contribution will help us:

• Ship the books to Monrovia

• Secure and prepare a safe space for the first reading room

• Set up shelves, tables, and seating for students

• Launch reading and writing programs in schools

• Host spelling bees, reading competitions, and creative writing workshops for kids

Why This Matters

Most of us never had the chance to grow up with books. The civil war closed schools, shortened school years, and took away the sense of stability every child deserves. Many young people in Liberia still live with the effects of that disruption.

Our reading rooms will not be just buildings.

They will be doorways.

Chances for a child to discover a favorite story.

Places where future writers, scientists, or teachers take their first step.

We want Liberian children to experience the joy, curiosity, and opportunity that books give so freely.

You Can Make a Real Difference

First we have to move the boxes of books from United States to Monrovia. We have budgeted $5,480 to handle all the logistics.

Every donation—no matter the amount—moves us closer to giving Liberia’s young people a place to learn, imagine, and dream.

If you would like to reach us directly, to donate books, or support us in other ways, you can contact us at: Pepper Coast Mag

Thank you for believing in this vision and for helping us bring books—and hope—home to our country.

Pepper Coast Library Project – Shipping Budget (Total: $5,480.00)

Shipping Over 10,000 books; includes freight charges, loading, and export documentation - $4,100.00

Packing & Preparation Materials: Boxes, pallets, shrink wrap, tape, labeling, and protective materials - $480.00

Port Fees & Customs Clearance (Liberia) Terminal handling charges, clearing agent fee, inspection, duties - N/A

Local Transport in Monrovia" Truck hire, and labor to move books from Freeport to storage site - $350.00

U.S. Storage & Local Transport: Short-term storage and transport to freight company - $250.00

Contingency Fund: Buffer for fluctuating fees, fuel surcharges, or unexpected port charges - $300.00

TOTAL $5,480.00

See more of what we do at: Pepper Coast Mag