Open Windows Books

Diverse children's literature is recognized as a powerful tool for dismantling stereotypes, promoting empathy, and providing a more balanced understanding of the different beliefs, cultures and people who make up our world.  Many rural schools report fewer than 10% of the books in classrooms or school libraries feature BIPOC characters. Often, schools in Greater Minnesota lack the resources needed to purchase the high-quality multicultural books which could be used to introduce rural students to the rich diversity of cultures in Minnesota.  Open Windows Books is a Minnesota non-profit which provides free multicultural books and professional development to teachers in rural communities across Minnesota.  

We need your support to extend our reach to more communities in Greater Minnesota.  Open Windows Books believes that increasing the diversity of stories read and discussed with children in rural schools will empower the children and the greater community to build an identity and a culture that is curious and open to differences.   We know that book conversations between caring, trained teachers and their students are a great way to counter the messages of fear and suspicion so prevalent in media today.

Open Windows Books plans to form two more teacher cohorts in rural Minnesota in 2024-2025. Teachers in these cohorts will receive free multicultural books for their classrooms and free professional development with experts in children's literature. Your contribution of $25 will purchase two diverse books for a teacher to read and discuss with students.  A contribution of $250 will supply a classroom collection of books, and a donation of $500 will purchase books for a school library.  With your help, we will continue to support educators who seek to develop empathy and understanding in their students and to create inclusive classrooms and welcoming communities.