The Junior League of Johnson City (JLJC) is proud to announce the establishment of Tybre Faw’s Little Library of Big Ideas! The Junior League of Johnson City was selected by the Association of Junior Leagues International to be one of the Leagues to receive Accelerator Funds that funded this library project, named in honor of Tybre Faw. Tybre Faw, Johnson City local and civil rights activist, befriended Congressman John Lewis in 2018 and was even invited to read Lewis’ favorite poem Invictus at his funeral service last year. The Accelerator Fund assists Junior Leagues in accelerating innovative programs to improve Diversity & Inclusion in their Leagues and local communities.
The Zoom dedication for the little library took place on February 21st, 2021, John Lewis’ birthday, and included a special message from Scholastic Vice President and New York Times best-selling author, Andrea Davis Pinkney. Pinkney authored a book called Because of You John Lewis about Tybre Faw’s friendship with Congressman John Lewis that will be out this September. Casey Carringer, Junior League of Johnson City President and Brittany Butler, JLJC Diversity Equity, & Inclusion Task Force Chair, also spoke at the event. Jo Pearce, JLJC Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Task Force Member and Tybre Faw spoke as well. The little library was truly a community effort, the 4th grade class at Ashley Academy built the little library and Johnson City Parks and Rec allowed it to be placed at Kiwanis park. Side Hustle Cookies also provided a delicious cake to celebrate the dedication.
We are honored to call Johnson City home along with Tybre Faw and hope you will visit Tybre Faw’s Little Library of Big Ideas! The library is open and full of books, make sure to visit it at Kiwanis Park located at 717 West Market Street in Johnson City! Feel free to take a book to read or leave a book for someone else to enjoy.
Please follow the link to view the dedication of the Little Library: Link to Little Library Recording