ABOUT US [Jeff version]
Literacy Works
Literacy Works is the community impact arm of Changing Minds Bookstore, built on the 20‑year legacy of Frugal Bookstore — Boston’s beloved Black‑owned bookstore dedicated to access, representation, and community connection.
Frugal Bookstore taught us a simple truth: When people have access to books that reflect their lives, everything changes.
As our community grew, so did our vision. Frugal Bookstore evolved into Changing Minds Bookstore, and Literacy Works is the next chapter in that evolution — the nonprofit initiative that transforms our bookstore’s values into programs that strengthen literacy equity across Boston.
MISSION, VISION, and VALUES [Jeff version]
Mission:
To advance literacy equity by increasing access to culturally relevant books, building home libraries, and supporting families, educators, and communities — one book at a time.
Vision:
A Boston where every child sees themselves in the stories they read, every family has books at home, and every community has access to identity‑affirming literature that strengthens confidence, curiosity, and opportunity.
Values:
Representation: Every child deserves to see themselves in the pages they read.
Access: Books should be in every home, not just on store shelves.
Community: Our work is rooted in trust, relationships, and shared purpose.
Equity: Literacy is a right — not a privilege.
Legacy: We honor where we began and build toward where our community is going.
ABOUT US — LITERACY WORKS
Our Story
Literacy Works is the community impact arm of Changing Minds Bookstore, built on the 20‑year legacy of Frugal Bookstore — Boston’s beloved Black‑owned bookstore dedicated to access, representation, and community connection.
Frugal Bookstore taught us a simple truth: When people have access to books that reflect their lives, everything changes.
As our community grew, so did our vision. Frugal Bookstore evolved into Changing Minds Bookstore, expanding our commitment to culturally relevant literature and empowering readers of all ages.
Literacy Works is the next chapter in that evolution — the nonprofit initiative that transforms our bookstore’s values into programs that strengthen literacy equity across Boston.
We haven’t closed. We’ve grown. And now our mission grows with us.
Our Mission
To advance literacy equity by increasing access to culturally relevant books, building home libraries, and supporting families, educators, and communities — one book at a time.
Our Vision
A Boston where every child sees themselves in the stories they read, every family has books at home, and every community has access to identity‑affirming literature that strengthens confidence, curiosity, and opportunity.
What We Do
Literacy Works delivers programs that meet families and educators where they are:
Home Library Builds Creating book-rich homes with culturally relevant titles.
School & Educator Partnerships Supporting teachers with identity-affirming books and literacy resources.
Community Book Distribution Bringing books directly to neighborhoods, events, and families.
Culturally Relevant Literacy Initiatives Programs that elevate diverse authors, histories, and voices.
Family Engagement & Reading Support Helping families build reading habits that last a lifetime.
Each program is designed to expand the mission that began with Frugal Bookstore and continues through Changing Minds Bookstore.
Why Literacy Equity Matters
Access to books — especially culturally relevant books — is one of the strongest predictors of literacy growth, academic success, and identity development. Yet many families across Boston’s Black and Brown communities lack home libraries that reflect their children’s lives.
Literacy Works bridges that gap by delivering books, building partnerships, and creating pathways to representation and opportunity.
Our Values
Representation: Every child deserves to see themselves in the pages they read.
Access: Books should be in every home, not just on store shelves.
Community: Our work is rooted in trust, relationships, and shared purpose.
Equity: Literacy is a right — not a privilege.
Legacy: We honor where we began and build toward where our community is going.
Our Commitment
We are committed to continuing the legacy of Frugal Bookstore, expanding the vision of Changing Minds Bookstore, and delivering programs that create lasting impact across Boston.
This is how we change minds. This is how we change futures. One book at a time.
Join Us
Whether you’re a parent, educator, partner organization, or supporter, you are part of a movement that began with Frugal Bookstore and continues through Changing Minds Bookstore and Literacy Works.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more literate, more empowered Boston.