Reading Railroad emerged from a recognition of deep gaps in representation within library spaces, as Black men hold only 1% of MILS degrees. This contributes to invisibility of Black male voices in library storytimes, programs, and leadership. Consequently, Black boys and (young) men rarely see themselves reflected as readers, storytellers, or professionals within libraries.

At the same time, literature featuring Black boys has too often centered trauma rather than joy and imagination. In response, we transformed our spaces into sanctuary hubs where Black boys, young men, and their supporters feel seen, valued, and celebrated.

Reading Railroad was born from the belief that when children see Black men reading, leading, and learning, they too can envision themselves as reader-leaders. This initiative directly challenges traditional library norms by creating affirming, joyful, and culturally-grounded experiences that center the brilliance of Black boys and the men who nurture them.

RR is one of the nation’s first comprehensive library curriculum frameworks centering Black boys, young men, and their support systems. It began with the Black Men Read Community Challenge, which united readers through partnerships with fraternities, churches, and community groups.

Core strategic initiatives include Hometown Heroes—a monthly storytime series featuring local leaders like Mayor Jeffrey Mims—and Black Boy Excellence, an ongoing storytime at all 17 branches celebrating everyday activities.

The Fatherhood Academy empowers fathers and father-figures through a two-generation learning model, while the Cataloging the Culture podcast amplifies the voices of Black men in libraries nationwide, like Dr. W. Tali Hairston, the Seattle Public Library Board President. Signature annual events—the Flowers for Fathers Awards, Student Mental Health Symposium, and Black Child Book Fair Tour—strengthen family literacy, wellness, and pride—as we reimagine collective impact.

RR demonstrates what is possible at the intersection of innovation, inclusion, and community impact. Initial surveys show the program has reshaped perceptions of libraries as culturally-affirming spaces—not only for Black boys, but also for Black men. RR has created a new volunteer pipeline of 45 Black men.

Storytimes engaged 400 children in its first-year. Some white families noted that this was the first-time their children ever experienced a Black man in an educator role, and this was also the first time some library staff members ever had a Black man volunteer for one of their programs.

We established new partnerships with Learn to Earn’s Black Boy Brilliance Ambassador program, which will compensate Black men up-to $5,000 annually for leading storytimes and engaging in the Fatherhood Academy, developed in partnership with the Montgomery County Fatherhood Initiative. Together, these outcomes show how RR is redefining library programming and leadership—for the future.