A Germantown nonprofit opened two Little Free Libraries to allow access to banned books
A Germantown nonprofit that focuses on racial equality and diversity wants community members to have access to banned or challenged books and more books about diversity. So they are doing something about it.
The Germantown Community Coalition has established two Little Free Libraries that specialize in banned books and books about diversity. The group has also started a banned book club called Freedom to Read 'Em once a month at the Germantown Community Library.
The coalition, which began in 2021, had a grand opening for the two Free Little Libraries in Germantown the first week of October to coincide with Banned Book Week. Banned books are often recognized in the month of October, according to the Online Library of Liberty.
The coalition was formed to address some of the racial inequalities that were occurring in the community. Its mission statement says it is working in partnership with the community "to build a safe, welcoming community based on principles of kindness, inclusion, equity and respect."
"This gives us the power to put these books in the (the Little Free Library)," said Tracy Parker, a coalition member who has coordinated one of the libraries.
"We thought this would be a fun way to bring the community together," Parker said, noting that families have come to the libraries bringing their books to donate.
What kinds of books are in the libraries?
Parker said there are a variety of books in the two libraries. "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas, for instance, which examines racism, police brutality and the struggle for justice and equality, is one of the books donated, said Parker.
Another, said Parker, is "This Book is Gay" by Juno Dawson, a nonfiction book where young people are examining their sexuality. Also stocked is "What Girls are Made of" by Elana Arnold, which features a 16-year-old questioning what unconditional love is when her boyfriend breaks up with her.
Parker said that when people see the books, they can see that many have racial diversity on the covers. "People can see the kids as black and brown," she said. She also said she is hoping for more LGBTQIA+ books. She added that there are a variety of books, even Harry Potter books.
How do the Little Free Libraries Work?
The Little Free Library is a trademark product that functions on the honor system. According to the Little Free Library website, anyone can take a book or share a book. People can then put a book in the library or can drop one off at one of the libraries, said Parker.
For more information on the Little Free Library or to download an app to see where other Little Free Libraries are, visit https://littlefreelibrary.org.
Where are the Little Free Libraries in Germantown?
One Little Free Library is at N101 W17618 Misty Morning Way and the other is at W148 N10217 Windsong Circle E.
Can anyone join the book club or other events of Germantown Community Coalition?
Any member of the Germantown Community Coalition can join the Freedom to Read 'Em book club.
Germantown Community Coalition is a membership-based organization for people who live in Germantown or those outside of Germantown who believe in its mission. Membership is $30 a year for individuals; $15 a year for students and $50 a year for families.
When does the Freedom to Read 'Em club meet?
The book club usually meets at 6 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month at the Germantown Community Library, N112 W16957 Mequon Road in Germantown. Because there was no school on Oct. 26, the book club will meet on Nov. 2. The book selected for the Nov. 2 meeting is "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater. This book is based on a true story that took place in Oakland, California, in which a teen set an agender teen on fire.
"This (the book club) started with an increase in book bans across the country," said Coral Kline, leader of the book club and a member of the Germantown Community Coalition. "We wanted to see everything that is banned or challenged. We read and discuss the issues as to why the book is challenged or censored and the themes in the books."
Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @kozlowicz_cathy.
More: Menomonee Falls High School bans 33 books from its collection
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: A Germantown group is making banned and diverse books more accessible
