Bringing Together a Community of Readers

Why have a library/bookstore in the Roseland community? I mean, after all, Roseland is situated right beneath the Dallas skyline. It's right in the city.

Interestingly enough, libraries aren't usually located in ways that are accessible to people who live in low-income communities. The closest library to Roseland is probably a 20-30 minute bus ride (that doesn't count waiting on the bus to arrive). When people don't have easily accessible transportation, that becomes an issue--besides the fact that the times when kids would usually access the library would probably be the times when their parents are still at work...and most parents aren't going to let their small children ride the buses by themselves.

Well, what about bookstores, you might ask? Why don't kids in low-income neighborhoods collect their own books? There's a Border's nearby (though you'd have to cross the freeway to get to it). Shouldn't they just save their money and buy books?

Well, though I love books and feel the need to buy every book I read, I rarely buy books at the major bookstores anymore. Paying $15 for a book is too much when I can drive another 15 minutes and get to 1/2 Price Books used books and buy them much cheaper. But, again, transportation and distance is an issue in our low-income communities. When rent, food, bus passes, health issues, and any number of other basic needs take precedent, buying expensive books gets put on the back burner.

It was because all of these things that we created a Library/Bookstore (yes, it's BOTH) in our small, Roseland community. The Library allows children (and adults, if they want) to come in, read books, have storytime, and enjoy the access to about 3000+ books. But, it also doubles as a Bookstore! For a mere 25 cents for paperbacks and 50 cents for hardbacks, children, teens, and adults can purchase any book in the library. And they do! Since September, we have sold over $40 worth of books.

When I was a little kid, my mom took me to the local library in my small town for their different programs. I LOVED the library. I loved the opportunity to choose from all of the books they had. I loved RIF day at school because it meant I got to choose and take home a free book. I love walking in the library. We have now created that same opportunity for other young, eager kids. And the kids are eager.

Some of the kids would rather go to the library, read, and spend time with Ms. Katrina every day than go to the gym or the After-School Academy. A kid that gives up other things so he/she can read every day? Who can complain about that??

Thanks for making it a wonderful place to be, Ms. Katrina!

Comments (1)

Ken Poland

Janet, perhaps the most valuable gift we can give to a child is the desire and ability to read.

That desire and ability must be supported by appropriate and available reading materials.

It sounds like your Roseland Library Bookstore is doing all those things. I applaud your efforts and accomplishment.

Posted by Ken Poland | February 2, 2010 3:51 PM

Posted on February 2, 2010 15:51

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