For my 50th birthday, I am fundraising for the Boston Public Library's Barbara Rhodes Children's Endowment Fund. This fund honors the memory of Barbara Rhodes, a beloved Children's Librarian at the BPL for over 40 years and aims to support programming that builds community and promotes literacy with themes of empowerment, social justice, creativity and joy, reflecting the incredibly diverse and heartfelt programs that she presented during her 40+ years as a children’s librarian.

Barbara was someone who always gave to The Boston Public School Libraries where I worked, first as a Library Paraprofessional, and then as a certified Teacher Librarian. From giving shelving to The Mather when the JP branch underwent renovations to giving books for a book sale at The Lyndon, Barbara was always giving. I know that there are many other librarians, both school and public, who Barbara supported and mentored.

Please help us carry on Barbara’s legacy by funding the continuation and expansion of robust programming for children and families at the Jamaica Plain Library!