Who We Are
We are a network of schools and literacy professionals helping to restore school libraries in the city of Detroit. From retired librarians to parents of Detroit students, there is room for you in our movement!
Our Why
Michigan ranks 46th in the nation for school libraries and within Detroit there are less than eight school librarians staffing over 200 schools in the city. This creates a stark look at literacy access for students in the city, where the majority do not have the ability to regularly bring books home from school. There is currently no centralized school library infrastructure within the city - so we are building it ourselves.
Our Mission
We believe that every child in Detroit deserves to have access to a robust school library. We want to make sure that teachers and staff are empowered with the tools needed to create and grow these critical spaces for learning. Through a unified organization, we can ensure that new school libraries get off of the ground and have the resources to continue to flourish.
Our System
Far too many times, well-intentioned book donations have filled up library spaces and have been branded as a “library revitalization or refresh”. However, without systematic categorization or an assigned staff member, the books quickly fall into disarray and the space remains underutilized. When we partner with a school, we help them build a strong foundation built upon solid library categorization that supports students and staff as well as a diverse collection aimed at pulling in the most reluctant readers. We also help coalition build at individual schools because community support whether that means pulling in volunteers or finding someone to “own” the space, we are here to help!
Our Board
Josie Silver
A former classroom teacher turned librarian, Josie raised funds to restart her school’s library before moving into the position of staff librarian at her school, Palmer Park Preparatory Academy. She looks forward to the day when all Detroit students know that great books await them in their school’s library.
President
Brian Peck
A Spanish teacher and certified librarian, Brian built his school’s (UPrep Academy) first library as a project based learning class with high school students. His space has since expanded into a thriving makerspace and literacy hub. Brian is deeply involved with library policy at the state level.
Treasurer
SecretaryAnne Kabel
A lifelong book lover and with over 30 years of service in public libraries, Anne has committed thousands of hours over the last three years to the restoration of school libraries in the city. She has seen, on a daily basis, how libraries can change lives, in ways both large and small and believes strongly that literacy is liberation.
Have Questions? Let’s Talk
Send us a quick note and we look forward to connecting!