Petaluma's Little Free Antiracist Library

Hi! I'm Beth, a Petaluma resident and mother to a curious 9-year-old. Like most kids his age, when BLM protests gained more attention in 2020 my son had a lot of questions surrounding racial injustice and about the news. He had a lot of questions and so did I. The main question for myself has been this: "What am I doing to help make racial equity a reality?"

And so, I'm working with Rise Up Against Racism to bring a Little Free Antiracist Library to our neighborhood because I believe in the power of books to open minds, spark conversation, and inspire change.

By bringing a Little Free Antiracist Library to our area, we will be able to bring the community together, create a space for vital conversations about antiracism, and ensure that both children and adults have ready access to books that elevate Black perspectives and diverse voices in order to inspire us all to understand and actively dismantle racism.

We know how important it is for children and adults to engage with books that provide mirrors to their own lives and windows into others’ lived experiences. The carefully curated selection of books by Rise Up Against Racism are purchased from Black-owned bookstores like Marcus Books , that span multiple reading levels and provide sources of powerful inspiration, vital knowledge, and important lessons for humans of all ages. Read more about the books. In addition, the libraries will be painted by a Bay Area Black artist who will transform the library into a functional piece of community art.

For every library built, Rise Up Against Racism will also gift another one through their Community Antiracism Reading and Engagement (CARE) Program that leverages a one-for-one giving model to provide communities with the most need with a free Little Free Antiracist Library.

Please consider donating to help us bring this important Little Free Antiracist Library to our wonderful town.

Thank you!