North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth is observing Not in Our Town’s most recent initiative called “United Against Hate Week” from Nov. 11 to 18 by supplying several Little Free Libraries in the Town with a collection of books with themes of tolerance, diversity and inclusion. The books were purchased with private funds from Bosworth.
Not In Our Town was launched in 1995 with its landmark PBS film that documented the heroic efforts of Billings, Mont. citizens who stood up for their neighbors after a series of hate crimes. They inspired hundreds of communities in the United States and around the world to take action against hate. North Hempstead has been active in the organization since 2017.
“No community is immune to the danger of hate that is spreading across our country,” said Bosworth. “I hope that by filling some of the Town’s Little Free Libraries with books about diversity, tolerance and inclusion that it might sow the seeds for a better world.”
To mark the occasion, Bosworth and the Town board will issue a proclamation decreeing Nov. 11 to 18 “United Against Hate Week.”
Not In Our Town addresses issues of hate and bullying, with the goal of building safe, inclusive communities for all. Since 2017, North Hempstead has held a Unity & Anti-Hate Conference and hosted a Not In Our Town student photo contest in which participants submitted over a 100 photos showing how they stand up to hate in their community or school.
The Little Free Libraries in North Hempstead are located at the “Yes We Can” Community Center, 141 Garden St. in New Cassel; Ridders Pond Park on Marcus Ave. and Meadow Farm Road in Manhasset Hills, and at a private residence at 46 Park Ave. in Port Washington.
A Little Free Library is a “take a book, return a book” free book exchange. They come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common version is a small wooden box of books.
Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share. Little Free Library book exchanges have a unique, personal touch. There is an understanding that real people are sharing their favorite books with their community; Little Libraries have been called “mini-town squares.”
Some of the books include:
Listen to the Children by Elizabeth Conde-Frazier
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Twenty and Ten by Claire Huchet Bishop
It’s Okay to be Different by Todd Parr
The Colors of Us by Karen Katz
Kindness Starts with You by Jacquelyn Stagg
Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles
The Diary of Anne Frank-the Story of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
