The Bronx is Reading Children's Bookstore

What is the mission of The Bronx is Reading?

The Bronx is Reading promotes literacy and fosters a love of reading, empowering the next generation of readers and writers.

The Bronx is Reading promotes literacy and fosters a love of reading among children, teens, and adults, empowering the next generation of readers and writers.

Our mission is to celebrate literacy by fostering a love of reading among all ages (especially children and teens). Through our multi-dimensional initiatives, including the annual Bronx Book Festival, The Bronx is Reading Literacy Program, monthly book club, and online and pop-up bookstore; we serve thousands of people in the Bronx and the tri-state area.

Describe the problem you are solving.

This vibrant, book-loving community has often been underserved and overlooked

The Bronx is one of New York City's poorest boroughs; this vibrant, book-loving community has often been underserved and overlooked when it comes to bookish programming. There are approximately 1.5 million people living in the Bronx, thousands are children and teens, and there is currently no children's bookstore servicing them.

How does The Bronx is Reading aim to solve this problem?

Bringing literacy, programming, events, and authors to the Bronx since 2018

Bring literacy, programming, events, and authors to the Bronx!

As a longtime reader and Bronx resident, our founder understands firsthand what it's like to grow up in an environment where reading and literacy aren’t always visibly promoted or prioritized due to access. The Bronx has a long tradition of producing literary culture and prominent authors like Edgar Allan Poe, James Baldwin, Sonia Manzano, Adam Silvera, Gabby Rivera, Lilliam Rivera, Claudia Rankine, Stan Lee, and so many countless others.

The power of putting literature into the hands of the community. I want children, teens, and adults who look like me to fall in love with books and to learn about the publishing industry.

Bronx Authors Black and White Photo with yellow and blue hues

Why are we seeking funding, and how will we spend the money?

We are seeking funding to expand The Bronx is Reading programming, events and outreach by opening a dedicated physical location where children, teens, and adults of all ages can come and immerse themselves in literature. Your donation will primarily help us

Secure a lease/purchase property for our physical location

Pay for any necessary repairs and permits for the venue

Store inventory

Hiring local Bronx residents as part-time staff

Meet Our Founder

Saraciea J. Fennell is a Black Honduran American writer, and literacy advocate from the Boogie Down Bronx. She has more than a decade of book publishing working at literary, genre, and children's book publishers, along with upscale retail and cafe shop experience as well. She's traveled all across the US visiting bookstores, talking to bookstore owners, and booksellers, researching bookshop models, book curation, and more. As the founder of The Bronx is Reading, Saraciea has always curated programming and events with the Bronx community in mind. She works closely with local educators, parents, nonprofits, and organizations to bring dynamic programming, and opportunities to the Boogie Down. She is editor of WILD TONGUES CAN’T BE TAMED, a a nonfiction anthology published by Flatiron Books. She is also a book publicist who has worked with many award-winning and New York Times best-selling authors. She is passionate about books and devours anything SFF-related. She was inducted into the The Bronx Times Power Women Hall of Fame in 2020, made the BitchMedia 50 list in 2018, and was included among Remezcla’s 30 Latinxs who made an impact in 2018. She is the winner of the Children’s Books Council Diversity Outstanding Achievement Award. She lives in the Bronx with her family and dog, Oreo. Visit www.saracieafennell.com for more information and follow her on social @sj_fennell.

Thank You for Your Contribution

The Bronx is Reading greatly appreciates your support to help bring a brick-n-mortar bookstore for the young, and young at heart to the Bronx. We invite you to follow us on our journey by following us on social media @lairofdreamsbooks, using the hashtag #thebronxisreading and visiting our website www.TheBronxisReading.com for more information.