Four new Little Free Libraries opened near Robert Gray Middle School and Bridlemile Elementary School in 2022! The Children’s Book Bank partnered with Positive Charge! PDX, the Timbers, and Third Eye Books on the installation of these libraries.
Positive Charge! PDX is a 100% volunteer-powered organization whose mission is to Amplify Kindness. The installation of these Little Free Libraries is part of their Compassion Through Literature project, which came about in response to seeing books being banned in schools around the country, and students being both underrepresented and unsupported.
Robert Gray Middle School and Bridlemile Elementary School had recently experienced racially motivated traumatic events. Positive Charge! PDX hoped that by installing Little Free Libraries filled with diverse and inclusive books in the neighborhood, we can help be part of a collaborative effort to increase awareness and tolerance while decreasing hate.
These libraries were built by Timber Joey and painted by Book Bank staff. Local Black-owned bookstore, Third Eye Books, provided the books to stock the libraries, sponsored by Timbers and MLS WORKS, the league’s social responsibility platform. Read more about the donation from the Timbers and MLS last December: https://katu.com/news/local/timbers-mls-donate-10000-books-to-portland-children
Timber Joey has built six additional libraries for the Book Bank to place in local neighborhoods. We’re honored to be able to work with so many great organizations like Positive Charge! PDX, Third Eye Books, and the Timbers in order to bring great books into the lives of children in Portland.