Rebel Readers: Promoting Diversity and Literacy through Little Free Libraries- Season 4 - Episode 11

In this episode, Tracy Rigdon welcomes Casey Raasio and Katie Johnston, the founding members of rebelreaders.org, a Jacksonville-based organization that is making a positive impact in the community. They discuss the mission behind Rebel Readers, their journey of promoting diversity and literacy, and their unique approach of placing challenged, banned, and multicultural literature in little free libraries. *Main Talking Points:* 1. The Birth of Rebel Readers Florida and Rebel Readers Georgia - Casey Raasio and Katie Johnston, both former teachers, joined forces to establish Rebel Readers Florida and its Georgia chapter. - The organization's primary focus is placing challenged, banned, and multicultural books in little free libraries. - They collaborate with Kaylee Weiland, who oversees the Rebel Readers Georgia chapter. 2. The Importance of Little Free Libraries and Diverse Literature - Little Free Libraries have been present in Jacksonville for some time, but Rebel Readers adds a unique twist by curating diverse and multicultural books. - By making these books easily accessible in the community, Rebel Readers aims to promote inclusivity and help people feel seen and welcome. - With declining literacy rates and a diverse population in Jacksonville, the initiative serves as a means to acknowledge and embrace the city's cultural richness. 3. The Story and Mission of Rebel Readers - Casey Raasio and Katie Johnston, both former sixth-grade teachers, bonded over their shared passion for education. - Motivated by the removal of books from Casey's classroom, they sought ways to contribute to the community. - The idea of placing banned, challenged, and multicultural books in little free libraries emerged as a tangible and impactful solution. - With boxes of books always at hand, they take opportunities during everyday activities to drop books in libraries across various locations. 4. Leading by Example and Inspiring Young Readers - Rebel Readers believes in leading by example and inspiring children through adult enthusiasm for reading. - By actively engaging with books and discussing them, adults can motivate children to pick up books and share their enjoyment with others. - The ripple effect of this small-scale initiative has the potential to create a larger impact on promoting literacy and a love for reading. 5. Understanding the Difference Between Banned and Challenged Books - Banned books have already been removed from public access, while challenged books are recommended for removal. - The list of banned and challenged books is extensive, encompassing titles that were once read in schools. - The actions of removing books from classroom libraries by teachers during book banning procedures highlight the urgency of addressing the issue. These show notes provide a comprehensive overview of the podcast episode, "Rebel Readers: Promoting Diversity and Literacy through Little Free Libraries." Casey Raasio and Katie Johnston share their experiences founding Rebel Readers Florida and Rebel Readers Georgia, their mission of placing banned and multicultural books in little free libraries, and the importance of promoting diversity in literature. Through their initiative, they aim to inspire young readers and create a community that celebrates inclusivity and cultural richness. ** Visit the Contrast Project website for a more immersive experience: BLOG Link: : https://bit.ly/Rebel-Readers ** Music Tracks for this Podcast by Alex Grohl on Pixabay ** Feel free to LIKE, SHARE AND COMMENT. Follow The Contrast Project online: ** https://www.facebook.com/TheContrastP... ** https://www.instagram.com/the_contras... ** https://twitter.com/ContrastProjTV ** The Contrast Project Lounge Podcast is proudly created in part using the Riverside.fm platform. By using this link you are helping to support this show. Thank you so much: https://bit.ly/3BH3q2t