EPISODE · Apr 2, 2026 · 49 MIN
Building Belonging Through Books
from Book Lounge by Libby · host Book Lounge by Libby
What started as a search for representation turned into a movement. In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Dessa Carroll, founder of Brown Babies n' Books, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit dedicated to creating culturally rooted literacy experiences for families. Together, they explore: The inspiration behind launching Brown Babies n’ Books What it takes to build a grassroots community from the ground up Why representation in books matters—for kids and caregivers How storytelling can foster belonging, identity, and connection What’s next for this growing organization This is a heartfelt, energizing conversation about the power of books to shape lives. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Connect with Dessa & Brown Babies n’ Books: Brown Babies n’ Books website Brown Babies n’ Books Instagram Dessa Carroll’s Instagram Titles mentioned in this episode: Freedom Braids – Monique Duncan Amazing Grace – Mary Hoffman Saturday – Oge Mora The History of We – Nikkolas Smith Soca Baby – Qef Johnson, Ariful Mowla Black. Single. Mother. - Jamilah Lemieux Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:17 Meet Brown Babies n’ Books 00:24:43 Some book reflections & recommendations 00:33:55 Making your own community groups 00:38:32 Advice for new and existing groups 00:45:12 Wrapping up & outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What this episode covers
What started as a search for representation turned into a movement. In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Dessa Carroll, founder of Brown Babies n' Books, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit dedicated to creating culturally rooted literacy experiences for families. Together, they explore: The inspiration behind launching Brown Babies n’ Books What it takes to build a grassroots community from the ground up Why representation in books matters—for kids and caregivers How storytelling can foster belonging, identity, and connection What’s next for this growing organization This is a heartfelt, energizing conversation about the power of books to shape lives. Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! Connect with Dessa & Brown Babies n’ Books: Brown Babies n’ Books website Brown Babies n’ Books Instagram Dessa Carroll’s Instagram Titles mentioned in this episode: Freedom Braids – Monique Duncan Amazing Grace – Mary Hoffman Saturday – Oge Mora The History of We – Nikkolas Smith Soca Baby – Qef Johnson, Ariful Mowla Black. Single. Mother. - Jamilah Lemieux Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:01:17 Meet Brown Babies n’ Books 00:24:43 Some book reflections & recommendations 00:33:55 Making your own community groups 00:38:32 Advice for new and existing groups 00:45:12 Wrapping up & outro Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram! Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Building Belonging Through Books
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