Brooklyn Book Bodega

Jan 4, 2021 /Photo: Courtesy of Brooklyn Book Bodega

As a mother and an educator, Rebecca Cohen knows firsthand the positive impact reading can have on children. So she and co-founder Seema Aghera created Brooklyn Book Bodega to help get easier access to books.

Created to increase the number of 100+ book homes in Brooklyn, the project hosts events where children can enjoy activities and get tickets, which they can exchange for books onsite, free of charge. It also allows city goers to donate books they no longer use so they can be enjoyed by more young readers.

 Though the COVID-19 pandemic has halted their in-person programming, Cohen and Aghera have shifted their project model and partnered with community originations to ensure kids can get access to books as well as food and hygiene products. They are also working to open up their inventory to local teachers whose students and curriculum can benefit from the donated books. Organizations that are already helping those in need can fill out a form to partner with the project and begin coordinating distributing books along with the other essential items.

 Those who are interested in helping the pair with their efforts can do so in a number of ways, from dropping off new and gently used children’s books at donation locations, hosting a book drive in their neighborhood, volunteering at their warehouse, or fundraising online.

More about Brooklyn Book Bodega can be found on their website.