beyond the bookshelf community library reading program

Literacy is a launchpad. Yet across the U.S., too many children from underserved communities are being grounded before they can even take off.

Beyond the Bookshelf is a program co-sponsored by readBlacknblog. The mission is to promote African American literature, engage young readers(ages 5–10), and support emerging Black authors by making reading exciting, accessible, and fundamental again within our communities.

Beyond The Bookshelf exists to inspire a lifelong love of reading among young readers, amplify African American voices in children’s literature, and empower communities by making literacy accessible, exciting, and essential once again.

In low-income neighborhoods, children hear 30 million fewer words by age 3 than those in more affluent households (Hart & Risley, 1995). By the time they enter kindergarten, many are already behind, and most never catch up. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 18% of Black fourth-graders and 20% of Hispanic fourth-graders read at grade level (2019). In foster care or housing-insecure environments, these numbers drop even lower.Reading on the Move is our joyful counterattack.

Beyond The Bookshelf seeks to:

• Inspire a love of reading among youth in the community.

• Elevate African American voices and stories through children’s literature.

• Create spaces where new authors can introduce their books to the public.

• Reinforce the importance of literacy ahead of the new school year.

• Increase reading and spelling scores.

• Strengthen connections between families and local libraries.

We aren’t just teaching kids to read. We’re teaching them to believe in their voice, their imagination, and their future.   We don't just read to kids — we bring books to life. We merge literacy with fun, sparking imagination, emotional connection, and a desire to keep reading long after we leave.

Over time, this program will help close the literacy gap among marginalized youth by:

• Improving foundational reading skills critical for academic success.
• Strengthening emotional intelligence through story-driven learning.
• Building a positive association between literacy and joy, creating life-long readers.
   

Long-Term Systemic Change:
Higher literacy rates among underserved youth correlate with increased elementary and high school graduation rates, stronger workforce participation, and reduced generational poverty — all aligned with EmpowHer’s broader mission of dismantling generational barriers.

Your donation will help us continue our mission and support our community. Every dollar counts and will make a difference in the lives of those we serve.