Current:Home > Contact-usHow pop-up bookstore 18 August Ave helps NY families: 'Books are a necessity to learn and grow'-InfoLens
How pop-up bookstore 18 August Ave helps NY families: 'Books are a necessity to learn and grow'
View Date:2024-12-23 18:34:14
Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way, and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.
Each week we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations.
This week we have 18 August Ave in Brooklyn, New York!
What’s your store’s story?
18 August Ave is a children's bookshop for families to find children's necessities, such as diverse books, but also find space to share and learn about health-related resources that speak to their lived experiences.
Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist
We have a slogan: "Every child deserves the opportunity to read, play, and thrive," therefore, our bookshop focuses on books, resources, and events that speak to the lived experiences and well-being of BIPOC families.
In 2019, Kenya Kirkman came up with the idea for 18 August Ave as a place for support and learning after the stillbirth of her twin boys. 18 August Ave officially launched as a children's pop-up in January 2023.
What makes your independent bookstore unique?
We're special because we prioritize diverse books that speak to social-emotional learning. We aim to give parents and families health-related resources to support the entire family. Books are a necessity to learn and grow.
We also invest in our community by bringing meaningful and essential events to families. For example, we hosted a Postpartum Event for parents in May 2023. Such events aren't seen in bookstores, but we need to speak to the lived experiences of families patronizing 18 August Ave.
We've had author discussions with authors who have written children's books about grief and sibling loss. We are unique because these stories are essential and powerful. Children and families experience many different things, and what better way for them to learn and grow through these experiences than from a book?
What books/series are you most excited about coming out in the next few months and why?
We are most excited to see the new Spanish children's book coming out in the next few months. We are looking to expand our offering and ensure we are inclusive.
Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important?
It's important to shop local, independent bookstores because local independent bookstores bring so much richness to the community. Community members run independent bookstores from the community who care about the community. Local bookstores bring new jobs, community events, author visits, and more. Shopping locally is a great way to recirculate revenue in the community.
What are some of your store's events, programs, or partnerships coming up this quarter that you would like to share?
We would love to open up as a brick-and-mortar by the end of this quarter, hopefully by April 2024. Therefore, hopefully, 18 August Ave's Grand Opening!
Check out these children’s books recommended by 18 August Ave:
- "Lullaby" by Langston Hughes
- "I am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book" by Yobe Qiu
- "Papá's Magical Water Jug Clock" by Jesus Trejo
- "Thank You, Omu!" By Oge Mora (really, all things Oge Mora!)
Books on the map:See all the USA TODAY featured independent bookstores
veryGood! (6635)
Related
- The Masked Singer's Ice King Might Be a Jonas Brother
- Kelly Ripa Reacts to Daughter Lola Consuelos Posting “Demure” Topless Photo
- Georgia sheriff's deputy dies days after he was shot during search, sheriff's office says
- Washington Commanders will replace criticized Sean Taylor installation with statue
- Former West Virginia jail officer pleads guilty to civil rights violation in fatal assault on inmate
- Yes, petroleum jelly is a good moisturizer, but beware before you use it on your face
- Schools are competing with cell phones. Here’s how they think they could win
- 'The Crow' original soundtrack was iconic. This new one could be, too.
- Florida education officials report hundreds of books pulled from school libraries
- Florida State's flop and Georgia Tech's big win lead college football Week 0 winners and losers
Ranking
- Martin Scorsese on faith in filmmaking, ‘The Saints’ and what his next movie might be
- Kroger and Albertsons head to court to defend merger plan against US regulators’ objections
- Newly minted Olympic gold medalist Lydia Ko wins 2024 AIG Women's Open at St. Andrews
- Girl, 11, dies after vehicle crashes into tree in California. 5 other young teens were injured
- Jennifer Garner Details Navigating Grief 7 Months After Death of Her Dad William Garner
- Newly minted Olympic gold medalist Lydia Ko wins 2024 AIG Women's Open at St. Andrews
- National Dog Day: Want to find your new best friend? A guide to canine companionship
- Ex-Florida deputy charged with manslaughter in shooting of U.S. Airman Roger Fortson
Recommendation
-
Wicked Director Jon M. Chu Reveals Name of Baby Daughter After Missing Film's LA Premiere for Her Birth
-
Arizona home fire kills 2, including a child, and injures 3
-
My Favorite SKIMS Drops This Month: Magical Sculpting Bodysuits, the Softest T-Shirt I've Worn & More
-
The Bachelorette’s Andi Dorfman and Husband Blaine Hart Reveal Sex of First Baby
-
Princess Kate to host annual Christmas carol service following cancer treatment
-
These proud conservatives love wind turbines and solar power. Here's why.
-
Hilary Swank Shares Rare Glimpse of Her Twins During Family Vacation
-
Who climbed in, who dropped out of 30-man field for golf's 2024 Tour Championship?