1000 Black Girl Books to Create Community Relationships

The Martin County Library System was able to launch its first 1000 Black Girl Books Book Club in 2020 to build community relationships through outreach and awareness with a local afterschool program. We are now working with three additional afterschool programs who help underserved youth, including Boys and Girls Club, to encourage tween girls to read books with black female leading characters. Created by Marley Dias in 2015 when she was 10 years old, the #1000BlackGirlBooks drive went viral! Sponsored by The Library Foundation of Martin County, Inc., the Martin County Library System is proudly partnering with youth organizations to facilitate book discussions that include free copies of the books, introspective crafts, as well as special guest speakers. In addition, each book club ends with the gift of a little 1000 Black Girl Books library for all ages to continue the love for reading and the support for exploring diversity, equity, and inclusion at their local community afterschool center.