Library collaborates with Grand Rapids nonprofit to host Black book exchange

Horton, a 2020 GVSU graduate, first learned about BBEB after participating in the Urban Core Collective’s Transformational Leaders Program. In her 2021-2022 cohort, Horton said she saw Wade give a presentation about her organization and was moved by the power of something as small as these book houses.

“An accessible book house is a small but meaningful way we can hopefully help to create a greater sense of belonging and community for Black students on campus,” Horton said. “The book house is for everyone to use, and I hope it interests people and inspires them to learn more about Black culture and experiences.”

The book house was designed by local artist Brandy Mayweather; it contains a specially curated collection of books about Black people and culture with varying genres. Trevor Noah’s "Born a Crime" and Eve L. Ewing’s "1919" are two examples of books in this portable platform, which can be moved outside for nice weather.

“A book house to be placed on the campus of a university and outside of Grand Rapids is an amazing accomplishment for our organization,” Wade said. “Being welcomed on Grand Valley's campus is beyond our vision for BBEB. It means the work we are doing to promote representation through literacy can now impact every community these students have come from and the communities they will go to.”

Thomas Garrett earned a bachelor's degree in writing in April.