Reading Engagement In Action, The I ❤️ My B😽d📚ga Family Workshop
By Tyler McClure
The I ❤️ My B😽d📚ga: Building Libraries for Kids 0-5 program is a monthly workshop series focused on literacy, community engagement, and reading. The workshop provides an opportunity for families who identify as low-income to connect, learn together, and gain valuable resources. As a part of the workshop, families get to take home 10 books from each session, adding up to a one hundred book home library by the end. Brooklyn Book Bodega launched the workshop series in the fall of 2023.
I spoke with Seema Aghera, the Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Brooklyn Book Bodega to learn about the formation of the program.
Where did the idea come from?
It was actually the idea of a former board member. She had this idea. I remember having this conversation with her and she was just like, wouldn't it be great if like a CSA where you go somewhere to get your fruits and vegetables – you can go somewhere to get your books for your home library? Families not only take away these tools and resources, but they'll be able to take 10 books per workshop. So the idea is that by the end [of the workshop], they have a hundred books, and so now they have a hundred-book library at home. Having books at home is tied to increased educational outcomes, so we are really happy to be able to make sure that they have books they want to read within arms’ reach.
What does it mean to you to be able to provide this workshop?
For me, trying to advance Brooklyn Book Bodega's mission to grow home libraries. I see the change in the community that's been built over the last nine months as part of I ❤️ My B😽d📚ga. Families are using the resources and putting them into practice at home. I have seen families grow over the months in reading, selecting books, and their comfort level supporting their children at home.
What does the future of the workshop look like to you?
We'll be enrolling a second cohort in the fall, so it's exciting that we'll be doing this again. There will be families who can continue in the program because they will still have a child that's younger than five. It'll be great continuity for those families to continue to practice literacy habits at home and learn from early childhood experts. They will also be experts in their own communities.
I attended a workshop and I was able to speak to a few parent participants about their experience with Brooklyn Book Bodega. Here is what I learned.
Moment of success at the family workshop.
The last workshop that I came to, I believe there was a presentation with a drummer. He was using the sound of the drums to help the children pronounce certain words and make certain sounds. I really liked that she was more engaged because she's very hands-on, she gets distracted easily. But, I saw her being able to engage with the instructor and with the other kids, which is really good because it takes her some time to open up.
Favorite thing about the workshop.
My favorite thing, honestly, is a sense of community. And, I put that on the survey every time. Because of her being an only child, she's always at home. She only really gets exposure with kids in school. So to me, coming here on a Saturday morning and interacting with kids, I think it's really valid. So for me…the best part is the sense of community.
One word to describe Brooklyn Book Bodega and why.
Adventurous When she goes walking through the door and it's like, oh, this is a really nice room for the kids. It's like a playground. They're coming in, and they're so tiny. They're probably like, oh my gosh, so many books. And, so from my perspective, working in a library, I've seen kids come in, and they're fascinated by the colors and variety of books. And to me, I think that's what I would describe it as, adventurous. Because it's an adventure for them to run around here and shop.
Creative Different workshops and programs allow the kids to open up their imagination, to be more creative, and to be more responsive to a real community.
Fantastic For giving out free books, and for actually opening socialization for my son because he doesn't get many play dates at home. And, the atmosphere is very positive.
Opportunity For our kids to just broaden all the different opportunities they have.
As I was speaking with the parents, I met an attendee who was invited by a friend. It was her first time participating in the workshop. Here is what she told me.
This is your first time coming into the space, what are your thoughts on the entire experience?
I love it. It has friendly staff, a clean environment, and engaging. I really enjoyed it, the service was well delivered. It was my first time, and I definitely look forward to coming back. It's opening a world for kids that is not just about going to the park or playing together, but coming into a space outside of school and learning together. It's fun. You guys did a great program.
The I ❤️ My B😽d📚ga workshop is a testament to the power of literacy and community engagement. This program has provided low-income families with books and a supportive environment to learn and grow together. The workshop contributes to Brooklyn Book Bodega’s mission of increasing the number of 100+ book home libraries while nurturing a strong sense of community among families. The feedback from participants reflects its impact. Whether it’s a child's excitement over new books or a parent’s appreciation for the supportive community, the family workshop has proven to be a journey in advancing literacy and connection. Learn more about it here.
Tyler McClure attends St. Francis College and majors in Literature, Writing, & Publishing. She was Brooklyn Book Bodega’s spring 2024 intern.
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