Our Kids Read Baltimore Literacy Hub held a grand opening at Eastpoint Mall on February 15, 2024. The nonprofit provides free books for children ages 0-18.
“Our Kids Read serves primarily pre-K through fifth graders but has books for all ages. Our mission is to spark the joy of reading in children in underserved communities across the country! We accomplish this in two ways: free diverse books through our Baltimore Literacy Hub and national Free Book Festivals and through our evening virtual literacy-focused mentorship program (Our Reading Buddies Program),” said Jahmal Lake, executive director of Our Kids Read.
Lake honored a wish of his mother, the late Dr. Obiagele Lake, by founding Our Kids Read in 2019. The activist, philanthropist, educator and humanitarian specified that a portion of her son’s inheritance should be used to start a program to uplift people of color and make a meaningful difference in their lives. Our Kids Read is an organization that is committed to fighting against childhood illiteracy in Black and brown communities.
“Literacy was my mother’s choice for the focus of Our Kids Read because she saw it as a direct mechanism to break the cycle of poverty in underserved communities. She knew that literacy is key to giving future generations a chance at the best careers and professional opportunities. She felt the ability to read was fundamental to almost all other pursuits,” Jahmal explained.
More than 50,000 books are currently in stock at the newly opened Our Kids Read Baltimore Literacy Hub. Jahmal stated that the organization anticipates that another 100,000 books will be donated over the next six months by the publisher sponsors: Scholastic, Penguin, Random House and Simon and Schuster. Eighty percent of the books are diverse books, featuring positive representations of African, African-American, Asian, Hispanic and Native American characters.
“I am delighted to be engaged in an organization that promotes reading, especially when the kids can see themselves in the stories,” said Myrleen Springer, an Our Kids Read board member.
Jahmal stated that each visiting child can take five free books per visit. Our Kids Read anticipates being able to serve over 10,000 children in the coming months.
“The children do not have to be Baltimore residents, books are available on a first-come-first-serve basis to any children who come in-person to the Literacy Hub,” Jahmal stated.
He added, “The plan, assuming the success of the Baltimore Hub, is to expand to Portland, St. Louis and New York, areas where we have the most donor support.”
The nonprofit’s space in Eastpoint Mall has been donated for three years by MCB Real Estate, according to Jahmal.
Additionally, through Our Kids Reads’ Remote Reading Buddy Program, adult volunteers who have been screened and trained are matched with children from the partnering Title 1 schools. Through the Our Kids Reads’ Remote Reading Buddy Program, students read with their adult mentors once per week for 45 minutes over Zoom for 12 weeks. Students and mentors can elect to continue to read with each other after the 12 weeks.
Christina Reid, the program manager for Our Kids Read, said that 2,200 free books have been distributed to date through Our Kids Read. The opening of the nonprofit’s bookstore is making reading even more accessible to children.
“But that’s not all—this space isn’t just about giving books away; it’s about creating a community around reading. Now, kids can come in, grab a cozy spot, and actually read in a welcoming space instead of just stuffing books in their backpacks and running off,” said Reid.
She also stated that the nonprofit is using the opportunity to expand their Reading Buddy Program.
“With a physical location more families can learn about the program, sign up on the spot, and get matched with a Reading Buddy.”
The community can support Our Kids Read by making a donation at ourkidsread.org/make-a-donation. Another way to help is by becoming a volunteer Reading Buddy. Sign up is available by visiting ourkidsread.org/reading-portal.
“Even if you can’t donate or volunteer, sharing our mission with friends, family, and on social media goes a long way! The more people know about Our Kids Read, the more impact we can make together. No matter how you choose to support us, you’re helping build a brighter future—one book at a time. And for that, we’re forever grateful!”Visit Our Kids Read at Eastpoint Mall. It is located at 7839 Eastpoint Mall, Baltimore, Maryland 21224. Use entrance #5 near Gables. Learn more about the nonprofit via https://www.ourkidsread.org.