In Her Words: Why Community Member Neffatiti Values Brooklyn Book Bodega
By Johanna Contreras
Neffi is a Brooklyn mom of two boys. She frequently attends Brooklyn Book Bodega events in order to trade in for new books to encourage a love of reading in her seven year old.
How did you meet Brooklyn Book Bodega?
Instagram, more than likely. After the first time we met Brooklyn Book Bodega, we would run into them at different events where we weren’t even aware they would be partnering. All of a sudden, you would see Rebecca there waving.
The mission of Brooklyn Book Bodega is to increase the number of households with 100+ books; how do they help you to bring books into your home?
My son doesn’t like to read so I’ve been trying to purchase books that he would be interested in to try to get him to read. But they’re expensive and we didn’t have the money. I think it’s cool that you have a place to access books for your child, and it doesn’t matter what your background is, or your race, or your budget. I feel like parents shouldn’t be limited by those things.
He still doesn’t like reading, but I can see he’s more interested in books that relate to things that he likes, like Captain Underpants and Dogman and anything by that author. Those are hard to come by, and kind of pricey, especially if you want to get the whole set. Normally when you find a place that has gently used books, or even new books for free, it’s not really books that you would really want to read. I like that Brooklyn Book Bodega has a whole array of books, with diversity, and they’re books that people would actually really want to read.
How do you usually get books from Brooklyn Book Bodega? Do you go to their events?
When they first started giving away books, we used to go to Ingersoll Cornerstone Community Center [in Downtown Brooklyn where Brooklyn Book Bodega would do giveaways]. We would take the bus and walk just to get there and drop off some of our books and trade for some new books. Then they started moving around and going to different spaces. During the pandemic, Rebecca actually had 2 volunteers on different occasions come to us, on a no-contact basis. They also partnered on an event for a Council Member—a community baby shower at Restoration Plaza in Bed-Stuy—where they were giving out books to expecting moms. That was another cool thing. As I told you, sometimes we won’t even know that they’re hosting or co-hosting an event, and we’ll just randomly go somewhere to get resources and there’s Rebecca smiling and waving at everybody.
What difference are you noticing in your son since you started getting him books?
He still doesn’t like reading at all—it’s like cruel and unusual punishment for him. But you will see that you have to find something that matches their interest. That’s why Captain Underpants is a go to—it has underwear, backsides, and a talking toilet. So it piqued his interest. I don’t care if he’s reading the back of a shampoo bottle—as long as he’s reading something.
How do you spread the word about Brooklyn Book Bodega so that other parents can also be aware of them as a resource?
Instagram plays a big part, and also word of mouth. If I see something on Instagram that is a resource, even if I can’t utilize it, I always repost so I can connect people to other sites and nonprofits. For example, if people need help to get a car seat or stroller, I’ll share those links. Also if you want to donate money directly to a nonprofit like: We are Her Village, Little Essentials or Brooklyn Book Bodega, these are resources that people can use.
If another parent reading this wants to get books for their kids, how would they do that?
Just go to their events! For other places you have to register for things, or prove your eligibility somehow. Some places check IDs or birth certificates for the child, especially places that are helping you get a gently used stroller or acting as a referral hub for other resources. A lot of places you have to go through some stuff. But for Brooklyn Book Bodega, you just walk in there and walk out. Sometimes they write down your name or fill out a quick survey on the way out. It’s that easy.