Lower 9th Ward Street Library

"My alma mater was books, a good library.... I could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity."
— AL-HAJJ MALIK EL-SHABAZZ (MALCOM X)

Every Friday from 5:30-7:30 at the Guerrilla Garden.
Corner of Chartes and Charbonette.

For the past 6 weeks, in collaboration with ATD 4th World Movement, Judes Grove and the Backyard Gardeners Network, New Orleans Liberation Academy has facilitated the Lower 9th Ward Street Library every Friday evening. Street Library is an attempt to bring literacy, story-telling and a sense of community directly to the young people of the Lower 9th Ward, wherever they are at.

A volunteer-run weekly space for children and youth from as young as 2 or 3 to as old as 17, Street Library provides a space for reading, writing, creating, experimenting and sharing for an average of 12-15 neighborhood children and youth. The format is simple: colorful blankets, childrens books, art supplies and caring adults to read with in a transparent public space. Transformational.

Dr. Samori Camara reading a biography of
Dr. George Washington Carver

In the past weeks, some examples of what we have done includes hosting children's book authors, heard and wrote poetry about who we are, we fingerpainted, we experimented with bubbles and we read lots and lots of books. For National Black Agriculture Awareness week we were joined by Dr. Samori Camara, founder and director of Kamali Academy, an Afrikan-centered Home School program across the river on the West Bank as we celebrated the life and contributions of Dr. George Washington Carver. Every week its something new!

Reading, arts and crafts and more!

Street Library is always seeking volunteers and donations of children's books or art supplies. If you can help, please contact us or stop by the Street Library every Friday evening at 5:30.