Read in Color Cohort Application 

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INTRODUCTION

We’re excited that you’re interested in joining us in bringing diverse books to Little Free Libraries through our Read in Color Program. Read in Color cohort members receive libraries and books as part of the program. Check our Read in Color map to see the kinds of organizations we work with. Before you submit the interest form below, please review the following carefully.


Read in Color is only open to applicants in the United States at this time.

Tips...
  • If you have not done so already, please view our Read in Color Partner Information Packet before completing the below application.
  • Interested in installing a single Little Free Library in a community with limited book access? Apply to the Impact Library Program.
  • Looking for books? Check out our Book Opportunities for existing stewards.
  • Please only submit an application to one Little Free Library program at a time. If you are unsure of which program would be the best fit for you, please review the program details on our website.
  • A note on AI tools: While we don't recommend using artificial intelligence (AI) to do all the work of completing this application, we understand that AI tools can be helpful to do research, start drafts, and strengthen your statements. There are real humans reading your application and we are looking for authentic, well-thought-out answers to our questions. As we are only able to award cohort membership to three organizations per cycle, we prioritize applicants that have taken time to give us a real sense of the difference the Read in Color program would make in their community in their own words.


IS YOUR ORGANIZATION A GOOD FIT?
The ideal Read in Color community partner is: 
  • An established organization with a mission and values similar or complementary to Little Free Library and a focus on serving underresourced communities.
  • Able to receive, store, and distribute hundreds of books and support materials at one time.
  • Able to fit Read in Color activities into their existing program structure and staff/volunteer capacity.
  • Prioritizing diversity and equity within the organization, especially in leadership positions.
  • Has existing relationships with local BIPOC-owned and independent bookstores.
Read in Color community partners are expected to: 
  1. Review the Read in Color information packet prior to submitting a program application;
  2. Identify and recruit volunteer stewards (aka caretakers of little libraries) and locations for new Little Free Libraries with recommendations and support from the LFL organization. The partner organization is welcome to host a book-sharing box at any appropriate locations;
  3. Host a Read in Color event or activity to celebrate the launch of your network of new book-sharing boxes;
  4. Receive, store, and distribute books to both new and existing Little Free Library volunteer stewards with support from LFL and local partner organizations;
  5. Maintain regular communication with Little Free Library staff regarding all new library activities;
  6. Proactively seek local funding for ongoing book support when appropriate, with support from Little Free Library;
  7. Promote the Read in Color program and our partnership within their communication channels, including social media platforms;
  8. Help identify local, BIPOC-owned, independent bookstores that may serve as a book source for Read in Color activities;
  9. Commit 1-2 project leaders to attend monthly meetings with Read in Color cohort and Little Free Library during the 6-month cohort cycle.
Contact Information







Organization Information











Include here organizations that would help with book distribution, library placement, etc.

Consider how you will stock books, perform maintenance or repairs to the book-sharing boxes, engage community members in an ongoing way, etc.







Community Impact







Permissions, Privacy & Trademark Policies (required for eligibility)

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