Yesterday was one of those long, full days that leaves you tired in body but deeply energized in spirit. I had the joy of attending a community book fair that reminded me exactly why literacy work and storytelling matter so much.
I arrived early to set up and drive safely since it snowed the morning. But once the parents and children arrived, the space felt alive: workshops in motion, authors proudly sharing their work, children wandering through tables of stories, and conversations about books happening everywhere.
One of the most inspiring parts of the event was the incredible generosity behind it. Breakfast and lunch were provided by the university. Thousands of books were donated by Scholastic and Lee & Low Books were available completely free to families. Watching children leave with stacks of books in their arms felt like witnessing possibility being handed out page by page.
Moderating Young Changemakers
I had the honor of moderating a panel featuring two remarkable young leaders.
The first was Bella Rae, an eight-year-old author who transformed a poem she wrote into a published book. Her confidence, creativity, and courage reminded everyone in the room that storytelling has no age requirement.
The second panelist was an inspiring eighteen-year-old from New Haven who recognized that her neighborhood was a book desert. Instead of accepting that reality, she reached out directly to publishers, requested books, and then distributed them to families at local block parties. Her initiative demonstrated what happens when young people see a need and decide they can be the solution.
Learning from Librarians and Advocates
I also attended a powerful discussion led by librarians and community organizers about the realities libraries face today — understaffing, underfunding, and the growing number of book challenges. Moderated by Vanita Balla, the panel explored new policies designed to ensure that only local residents can formally challenge books, requiring challengers to complete documentation showing they have actually read the material and can clearly articulate their concerns.
I learned so much from this conversation. Libraries are not one-size-fits-all institutions; each serves its community differently, adapting programming, outreach, and services to meet local needs.
The discussion reinforced how libraries remain one of the last truly democratic public spaces.
Community, Support, and Celebration
My husband Matthew joined me and amazed me by selling more than five dozen books — even with free books available everywhere. That alone spoke volumes about the power of connection and meaningful storytelling.
It was also a day filled with friendship and reunion. Rosamond and Kaydian came out to support me, and I unexpectedly ran into Barbara, T’Challa, and Nzima, peers from years past. Those moments added warmth to an already meaningful day.
And of course, I couldn’t leave empty-handed. I picked up books for my nieces and nephew, already imagining the joy they’ll experience turning those pages.
Gratitude
By the end of the day, I was exhausted but grateful. It was impactful, productive, and deeply affirming work — the kind that reminds you why community spaces centered around literacy matter.
I am especially thankful to Wesleyan University and to Briana and Clifton, who hosts this event each year and continues to create a space where books, voices, and communities come together.
Days like this remind me: when we invest in stories, we invest in people and when communities gather around books, transformation quietly begins.