The Free Black Women's Library is a literary hub, social site, and community care space located in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.

This project currently features a diverse collection of over five thousand books written by Black women and Black non-binary folks, a wide array of free public programs, a free store, a period pantry, a reading club, and a weekly book swap.

The library invites all ages, races, and genders to use this space for reading, writing, co-working, resting, and daydreaming, as well as check out our book collection, swap books with us, and take part in our public programs and special events which include writing workshops, art classes, sewing circles, film screenings, readings, performances, literary conversations and teach-ins on various subjects such as collective care, maternal health, herbalism, and abolition.
This space also features Wi-Fi, a water cooler, and a beautiful backyard garden.

This project began as a traveling installation and library pop-up in 2015 and lived for several years as such until transitioning to a brick-and-mortar space in 2022. We have worked with Brooklyn College, New York University, MOMA PS 1, MOCADA Museum, The Metropolitan Museum, EFA Art Gallery, and other notable cultural institutions.

We have been featured in Teen Vogue, TimeOut magazine, Oprah Magazine, Fine Books magazine, and BUST magazine, as well as on ABC, NBC, and the Drew Barrymore Show.
The mission of this project is to illustrate and share the transformative power of books and building community, as well as provide an inclusive safe space where all beings can read, write, learn create and connect.

We are currently raising money to cover the cost of rent for our storefront, as well as insurance, utilities, internet access, essential supplies, and labor for 2024 and beyond.
We are extremely grateful for every single dollar contributed to this cause!!

Since opening our doors in June of 2022, the library has become a vital community resource and a safe space for all beings to grow and gather.

Thank you so much for helping us secure and sustain our space!!

The Free Black Women's Library Sustainability Fund

By The Free Black Women's Library

The Free Black Women's Library Sustainability Fund

A Space of Care, Creativity and Connection

Team Members