ABOUT US
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
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.