Our city is faced with brave decisions to make about many issues — decisions that start with conversations among our residents. When we all read the same books, we all have a common base through which to discuss challenging topics.

The opportunity:

• Engage our community in brave conversations around stories
• Build empathy and awareness around relevant issues
• Bridge differences between generations, cultures and neighborhoods

Why Read Brave?

• Awareness
• Empathy
• Community
• Love of reading
• Connect to library

1. Book selections: Curated selection of books that relate to the Read Brave theme, including YA fiction, adult nonfiction, picture books and early and middle grade books
2. Partnerships: Partnered with 40 schools and 20 organizations
3. Programming: Held 30+ Read Brave events and activities in libraries
4. Digital Resources: Produced discussion guides, live-streamed events, and made materials available for easy download
5. Opportunities to take action: Postcards for elected officials and service projects

In 2019, our first year with this issue-based approach, we achieved these results and more:

• 6,000 books distributed to build home libraries
• Library-owned Read Brave books had checkout rates two times greater than other books
• 675 youth participated in author events.
• 80 community volunteers attended service projects
• 1,347 public interactions with the library Civic Labs — on-site displays with information, public polls and a quiz about housing
• 96% teen survey participants would recommend Read Brave to friend