Thousands Of Books Donated For More Inclusive Summer Reading

Thursday, thousands of books were donated just in time for students who want to read during the summer. Little Free Library and Reading Partners have a new program called Read in Color that's designed to promote more diverse and inclusive books. 

“It runs through my because I’ve been in their position before. I know what it feels like to be in their same spot being able to go to this wonderful school," said Marcal Johnson.

Johnson is back at his old elementary school for story time. He's helping his mom, Dr. Ebony Johnson, promote Read in Color. 

“They get excited over the content that’s in the book. The pictures that are there. The colorful nature of the book. The story that’s behind the words. Hopefully we’re igniting a joy of learning, of literacy," said Dr. Johnson.

Dr. Johnson with Tulsa Public Schools said getting students excited about learning is important and she’s thrilled to share diverse books. 

“Making sure that our students resonate with what the literature says and what it’s about and the pictures in the literature and the story that’s being told in an accurate way is critically important and so it’s both personal and professional for me," said Dr. Johnson.

You'll notice nine more Little Free Libraries in front of elementary schools within the next couple of weeks. Johnson said he's honored to help promote the program and read to a group of students. 

“Really just a wonderful experience for me to read the kids. It was nice," said Johnson.

Little Free Library said by the end of the summer they’ll have 26 new locations filled with thousands of donated diverse books.