If you have been to the Lovett Memorial Library recently, you have likely seen the Black Lives Matter book walk prominently displayed in its park.

The idea came from Lisa Browne of Colorful Stories. Following the racial justice movements last summer, Browne wrote a short story that developed into her idea to create a book walk that children and families could enjoy. She hoped that her story would spark developmentally appropriate and meaningful conversations between children and their families about similarities and differences; skin color, race, and racism.

The story features a child named Mambo who has "beautiful brown skin," likes to "go on adventures in our neighborhood," and "deserves to feel safe in our community." It concludes with a direct call to action: "Mt. Airy, please start or continue having these conversations with your children and humanize my child."

Colorful Stories has hosted workshops at the library previously and having a story walk in a heavily-trafficked outdoor location such as Lovett Park made it a perfect choice.

An event celebrating the book walk will take place on Saturday, June 26 from 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. While the book walk has been up since November, COVID restrictions prevented any events from taking place until recently. Browne will lead a walk-through and discussion with families, Germantown’s Karen Smith will perform her famous drumming, and local author John Butler (aka Cousin John) will read one of his picture books. There will be book giveaways and free cookies, a sign-making craft, and a chance to win prizes, courtesy of the Friends of Lovett Library and Weaver’s Way Co-Op.

Lovett Library is thrilled to continue its work with Colorful Stories to spark conversations on race and being an anti-racist ally.