In honor of Black History Month, Visit Philadelphia has partnered with Little Free Library to launch the Little Free(dom) Library .
More than 30 states have banned books written by Black authors, according to Penn America. The Little Free(dom) library is fighting back by making those books accessible to readers in the area. The library will be giving away 1,500 banned books at one of its 13 locations across the city.
“Philadelphia strives to be a welcoming destination where every person can feel a sense of belonging,” said Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, in a press release.
Val expressed the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the nuances of American history.
“We want travelers and residents to know that in Philadelphia, Black history is American history, and Black stories are worth telling and sharing, ” she said.
The Little Free(dom) Library project will include a video series featuring Joyce Abbott, actress Quinta Brunson’s sixth-grade teacher and the inspiration behind her Emmy Award-winning show Abbott Elementary .