Teenagers Spark Kickoff Scene at Billings Community Table
Two teenage girls standing near a community table in Billings, Montana, spent several minutes excitedly discussing the titles laid out before them. That scene unfolded during a community rally hosted by the United Way of Yellowstone County to celebrate the local launch of Read in Color, a nationwide initiative that brings diverse books to public book-sharing boxes, Little Free Library reported.
Expanding the 2026 Read in Color Cohort in Montana
The expansion marks the arrival of the literacy program in Billings as part of the 2026 Read in Color cohort. The initiative focuses on distributing books celebrating Black, Latinx, Asian, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and other voices to local readers.
Exceptional Quality of Interactions Noted by Coordinators
“Beyond the number of people, the quality of our interactions was exceptional,” Emily Pratt, Community Impact Coordinator at United Way of Yellowstone County, said regarding the kickoff event. “Some caregivers and their children began planning out their visits, after taking one of our maps, to where they would go first to visit the new book sharing boxes.”
Pratt pointed to the conversation between the two teenagers as a highlight of the Billings launch, noting the immediate enthusiasm from young residents browsing the new selection.
National Reach Across 31 U.S. Cities and Major Metros
The Read in Color program has expanded to 31 U.S. cities since its inception, reaching metropolitan areas from New York and Washington, D.C., to Atlanta and Phoenix. Organizers have placed more than 250 Read in Color Little Free Libraries nationwide, distributing upwards of 50,000 diverse books.
United Way of Yellowstone County Mission and Community Wellbeing
The United Way of Yellowstone County operates with a mission to address local needs and improve community wellbeing through collaboration, aiming to ensure every resident has access to resources for reaching their potential.
