Read It and Leave It: The Harlem Literacy Access Network

About this Project

Read It & Leave It is leading a one-year, youth-led initiative that places free bookshelves in local businesses and community spaces across Harlem. High school ambassadors from Democracy Prep will pitch businesses such as laundromats, delis, salons, and doctors’ offices to host 25 bookshelves, then restock and maintain them throughout the year. Each shelf includes a QR code that lets families request a free home library. Ambassadors will also present at elementary school pitch nights and help host launch parties with participating businesses, where families can enjoy free books, food, and literacy activities. Building on earlier partnerships with Motherland Exotics, Carriage Suite, and Juno Clinic, and on a second year of the Mayor’s Office YA50 contract, the project expands free book access while young people build public speaking, negotiation, and organizing skills in their own neighborhood.