OUR PROGRAMS — LITERACY WORKS

Overview

Literacy Works delivers programs that expand the mission that began with Frugal Bookstore and continues through Changing Minds Bookstore. Our work focuses on increasing access to culturally relevant books, building home libraries, and strengthening literacy equity across Boston’s Black and Brown communities.

Every program is designed to meet families, educators, and neighborhoods where they are — one book at a time.

Home Library Initiative

Building book‑rich homes across Boston

Many families want to support reading at home but lack access to books that reflect their children’s identities, cultures, and lived experiences. The Home Library Initiative fills that gap by delivering curated, culturally relevant book bundles directly to families.

What we provide:

• Age‑appropriate, identity‑affirming book sets

• Family reading guides and literacy tips

• Seasonal and thematic book bundles

• Partnerships with schools, community centers, and youth programs

Impact: Home libraries increase reading frequency, strengthen identity, and improve literacy outcomes — especially for early readers.

Culturally Relevant Book Access

Representation in every home, classroom, and community space

This program expands access to diverse literature by distributing books through schools, educators, youth programs, and community events.

What we provide:

• Classroom library builds

• Book distribution at community events

• Partnerships with educators and youth-serving organizations

• Curated lists featuring Black, Brown, Indigenous, and underrepresented authors

Impact: Students read more — and read more confidently — when they see themselves in the stories they encounter.

School & Educator Partnerships

Supporting teachers with the tools they need to inspire readers

Educators are essential partners in literacy equity. We work with schools to ensure teachers have access to culturally relevant books and resources that strengthen classroom engagement.

What we provide:

• Classroom book bundles

• Educator resource guides

• Professional development support

• Custom booklists aligned with curriculum needs

Impact: Teachers gain high-quality, identity-affirming materials that deepen student engagement and support literacy growth.

Community Literacy Events

Bringing books and joy directly to neighborhoods

Literacy Works hosts and supports community events that celebrate reading, representation, and connection.

What we provide:

• Book giveaways

• Pop-up reading corners

• Author visits and storytelling events

• Partnerships with local organizations and youth programs

Impact: Families experience reading as a joyful, communal activity — strengthening literacy habits and community bonds.

Family Engagement & Reading Support

Helping families build reading habits that last a lifetime

We equip families with tools, strategies, and culturally relevant materials that make reading a shared, meaningful experience.

What we provide:

• Family reading guides

• Tips for building reading routines

• Workshops and community conversations

• Support for multilingual and multicultural households

Impact: Families feel empowered, supported, and connected to their children’s literacy journey.

Why Our Programs Matter

Access to culturally relevant books is one of the strongest predictors of literacy growth, identity development, and long-term academic success. Yet many families across Boston 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.

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 — one book at a time.