The JAMS Library Project continues! Phase Two is here: comfy furniture, more books students love, & better library tools. We’re not done yet—help us keep building! Blog: bldglibraries.substack.com/p/were-back-... @librarianjones.com @captainlibrary.bsky.social @andreatrudeau.bsky.social

Love to see this!!

Big thanks to @kidsdiscover.bsky.social for being part of our buildinglibraries.org journey! Their engaging nonfiction inspires curious minds every day. Read more: bldglibraries.substack.com/p/partnershi... (link in bio)

Our time at Jane Adeny Memorial School in Kenya has come to an end, but the memories will stay with us. Grateful to Dr. Wasonga for her warm welcome and powerful vision. The song playing? That’s the girls singing their school song—I recorded it during our visit.

Our time at JAMS in Kenya has come to an end, but the memories will stay with us forever. We’re so grateful to Dr. Wasonga for welcoming us and for reminding us that difficult roads often lead to the most beautiful places.

New LBL blog: We came in with a plan—but the students at JAMS showed us what they really needed. Here’s how we reimagined the library to be simple, sustainable, and student-centered. bldglibraries.substack.com/p/listening-...

At JAMS in Kenya, we’ve seen firsthand how school libraries can become sanctuaries of healing as well as learning. In response to the need for emotional support for students, we created a Calming Corner—an inviting space designed to promote mental well-being. Blog: open.substack.com/pub/bldglibr...

It was such an honor to participate in @lieberrian.bsky.social's program Ducks 4 Laryssa in memory of her sister. If you find yourself at a library somewhere in the world, you can post your own ducky pic here: sites.google.com/view/ducks4l... #ducks4laryssa #bldglibraries #internationallibraries

We’ve been busy in these final days at JAMS in Kenya, but the blog is back! Look for the Helpers (Part 2) is now live—catch up on what’s been happening and meet the incredible people making a difference. Read here: open.substack.com/pub/bldglibr...

We introduced the girls to our new color-coded library system and checkout process today! Open house with art + story hour is on for the next two days from 4:30–6PM. They’re also letting us know what books they want next!

We took a walk down the road from the school. Kenya is beautiful! @bldglibraries.bsky.social

Today, each student chose a rose quartz ❤️ from our collection. Known for symbolizing love, peace, and compassion, these offer a gentle reminder to breathe and be present. With exams underway, we encouraged students to keep them close—maybe in a pocket—to bring a moment of calm whenever they need it.

Today, each student chose a rose quartz ❤️ from our collection. Known for symbolizing love, peace, and compassion, these offer a gentle reminder to breathe and be present. With exams underway, we encouraged students to keep them close—maybe in a pocket—to bring a moment of calm whenever they need it.

Hard at work and loving every minute of it! Today we’ve been busy labeling books for the library at JAMS in Kenya—getting each one ready to inspire, empower, and educate. Every sticker is a step toward building something beautiful for this incredible community. #LibraryLove #BooksChangeLives

Today we visited the Masolo family and the Jane-Pauline Audi Research Library, a community library they run from their home in memory of their daughter. Out of heartbreak, they’ve built something full of hope, love, and purpose.

Took a break to read under the Kenyan sun—books, breeze, and absolutely zero emails. We work hard, we play hard, but it’s just as important to slow down and enjoy the world around you. Photos courtesy of a student at JAMS. #NextStyle #ReadingInKenya #LibraryLifeUnplugged

Saturday nights are for dancing like nobody’s watching… because tomorrow we alphabetize like everybody is! 🕺📚💃 #LibraryLife #WorkHardShelfHard

Our latest blog: “Wonderland” A former student called it stunning. A school director called it inspiring. The founder called it Wonderland. See how a rural Kenyan school library was transformed—with trust, vision, and heart. bldglibraries.substack.com/p/wonderland...

“If you build it, they will come.” And they did—big time! 🤩 Today, the JAMS library was alive with energy! Students browsed and checked out books, played games, colored, relaxed, and connected with friends. It wasn’t just a library—it was the place to be. #JAMSReads #BldgLibraries #TLsky

“Look for the Helpers (Part 1)” Some of the most powerful helpers have been the kids themselves—showing up to sort books, share stories, and speak out. It is their library too, and they have every right to be a part of building and protecting it. 🔗 Read the blog: open.substack.com/pub/bldglibr...

Check out our latest blog post, “Hidden Gems,” about rethinking what we give and how it makes kids feel. We highlight the new and rediscovered books now proudly on display in the school library. bldglibraries.substack.com/p/hidden-gem...

Children's Literature Legacy Award winner Nikki Grimes keeps right on being a legend.

A little taste of before & after at the Jane Adeny Memorial School Library. My heart is singing today—especially as we hear and see the reactions of library patrons. They are so excited for all of these books! Front-facing materials for the win! 🙌 @bldglibraries.bsky.social #BuildingLibraries #TLsky

It was my distinct pleasure! So glad I could contribute to the wonderful work you and your team are doing. You are a gift!

We are deeply grateful to award-winning author @poetnikki.bsky.social for her generous donation to JAMS in Kenya. Her powerful stories and poems now line the shelves of the school’s library, inspiring young readers. Thanks a Million, Nikki, for investing in the minds and 💕 of the next generation.

Are you curious about the work we are doing in Kenya? Subscribe to the @bldglibraries.bsky.social Substack—details below! #TLsky #BuildingLibraries

Our 4th post is live: “Seeing the Starting Point” In this piece, we reflect on what it means to truly see—the people, the challenges, the possibilities—as we do this work. Read it here: open.substack.com/pub/bldglibr...

Learn all about this amazing effort by 3 selfless #schoollibrarians! apple.co/4iqLVqY @librarianjones.com @captainlibrary.bsky.social @andreatrudeau.bsky.social

Flowers found on the campus of the Jane Adeny Memorial School! #Kenya

“Lead with Curiosity” is the third blog from our project. It reflects on what it means to enter unfamiliar spaces with humility, an open mind, and a listening heart—and how asking questions can be the most powerful form of leadership. Read it here: open.substack.com/pub/bldglibr...

An unforgettable moment at JAMS yesterday! The girls made chapati from scratch over an open flame, using charcoal they made themselves. Then, with the kindest hearts, they offered to teach us their process and share the final (delicious!) result. Grateful for their generosity, skills, and warmth.

Taking the First Steps to Fulfill a Vision—Our latest Substack shares what it’s like to take the very first steps toward building something meaningful—literally and figuratively. Read the full update here: 👉 bldglibraries.substack.com/p/taking-the... #LibrariansBuildingLibraries #Kenya

Follow our work in Kenya by visiting and subscribing to our Substack. Details below…

Big news from Librarians Building Libraries — we’re on the ground in Kenya! Our first Substack post, “Difficult Roads Lead to Beautiful Places,” is live now. Learn what we’re doing, what we’re learning, and how you can be part of it. Read it here: substack.com/@bldglibraries

Yesterday @andreatrudeau.bsky.social had the opportunity to visit @demcoinc.bsky.social to get an inside look at their innovative products & inspiring company culture! Big thanks to Ivonne Smith & Heidi Green for the warm welcome—plus all the goodies we will bring to Kenya! #TLsky #BeTheChange

In just 35 days, our co-founders @captainlibrary.bsky.social @librarianjones.com & @andreatrudeau.bsky.social will be departing for our 1st project: building a library in rural Kenya! Please support them by purchasing items from this wish list: bit.ly/LBLwishes Thank you! #buildinglibraries #tlsky

Happy Birthday to our co-founder, the incredible @librarianjones.com! Help us celebrate & make one of her birthday wishes come true this year by purchasing an item off of our wish list: bit.ly/LBLwishes Every donation makes a difference! Thank you for your support! #BuildingLibraries #TLsky #BookSky

We're building our first library at a girls' school in Kenya! 💫 Education empowers & we’re inviting YOU to be part of it. Check out our wish list to support this incredible journey. Every donation counts! ❤️ bit.ly/LBLwishes #GirlsEducation #BuildALibrary #Kenya #booksky #TLsky #Skybrarian #libraries

We are preparing for our trip to rural Kenya this July to support the Jane Adeny Memorial School! Join us in spreading library joy by purchasing items from this wish list that we'll hand deliver to the school! bit.ly/LBLwishes TY for your support! 📚✨ #TLsky #booksky #BuildingLibraries #BeTheChange

We couldn’t thank all of our donors and bidders more! Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

Today is the day! Get that last bid in for great PD, author visits, signed books, and more! bit.ly/LBLAuction

Just a couple days left to bid on some incredible items! What are you waiting for? Check them out at bit.ly/LBLAuction

Looking for PD for you, your district, your region, or state organization? We’ve got you covered. Checkout the offerings at bit.ly/LBLAuction

Ready to take that next step in your writing? Or thinking about putting pen to paper? Check out these great opportunities to meet with a literary agent and authors to start that next chapter! More at bit.ly/LBLAuction

Find amazing Author Visit opportunities at our online action! Open through March 20th Explore at bit.ly/LBLAuction

Spring Forward for a Good Cause! 🌍✨ Join our online auction to support our work at the Jane Adeny Memorial School in Kenya! 📚 Your bid helps expand access to knowledge & opportunity. Don’t miss out – bidding starts TODAY! 🕰️ #SpringForward #TLsky #BookSky #BeTheChange www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticket...

Librarians, we need you! 💙 Support the Jane Adeny Memorial School library by donating items or experiences for our silent auction. Your generosity helps provide books & resources for girls’ education in Tanzania. Let’s make an impact together! #LibrariansBuildingLibraries #TLsky #booksky #Skybrarian

Authors, we could use your support! ❤️ Will you donate a signed book to our silent auction to support our 1st project--building a library in rural Kenya at the Jane Adeny Memorial School? Visit bit.ly/LBLauctiondonations to submit your donation by Friday, 2/28. Thank you! #BookSky #TLsky #Skybrarian

🚨 Calling all library supporters! 🚨 We’re seeking donations for a silent auction to help us transform a school library in rural Kenya! Your gift can make a BIG impact in the lives of others! 💙 Fill out this form by Feb 28 to share your contribution: bit.ly/LBLauctiondonations #TLsky #booksky #give

💛 This Valentine's Day, how about spreading a little love for libraries? Give up your coffee ☕ for the day and donate that $5 (or more!) to help our organization build libraries and make reading and learning accessible to all! bit.ly/LBLdonation #LibraryLove #TLsky #Booksky #ValentinesDay #GiveBack