Members of Barrington’s DEI Committee will host a celebration on Thursday, Sept. 15, from 5 to 6 p.m., at Woods Pond, marking the creation of Rhode Island first Read in Color library. 

Barrington’s Little Free Library will offer diverse books that provide perspectives on racism and social justice; celebrate BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized voices; and incorporate experiences from all identities for all readers. Residents are encouraged to share their books, for children and adults, written by and featuring stories from historically excluded or underrepresented communities. 

Coinciding with National Hispanic Heritage Month, the launch celebration for the Little Free Library will feature a reading and comments by a local writer of Puerto Rican and Italian-American descent, Anika Aldamuy Denise. Denise is the award-winning author of several picture books, such as A Girl Named Rosita; Lights, Camera, CARMEN; and Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré. Also expected at the celebration will be words from DEI Committee members, and attendees who donate books may be invited to share how their contribution aligns with the theme.

“Reading stories about people and cultures that are unfamiliar to us is a great way to build understanding and empathy,” says Jacob Brier, a Barrington Town Councilor who serves as one of the Council’s liaisons to the DEI Committee. “Our town is becoming a more inclusive and welcoming community and this initiative by the dedicated volunteers on Barrington’s DEI Committee is a great way to both recognize that progress and encourage residents to continue opening our arms, hearts and minds, as we open these books and share the stories in them with neighbors.”

Barrington’s Little Free Library was made possible by a contribution from Thrivent Financial Services, a fraternal, faith-based, not-for-profit financial services company, and by individual donations from town residents. Members of the DEI Committee and community volunteers assembled and painted the Little Free Library stand, and they will install it in partnership with the town.

For more information about the launch celebration, please visit the committee’s Facebook page, at facebook.com/deicommittee, or contact DEICommittee@Barrington.ri.gov