Brooklyn Book Bodega Brings Books to Underserved Neighborhoods

Nonprofit aims to provide more children and families access to books in their homes.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 6:25pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating grid of stacked children's books in various bright neon hues, conceptually representing the organization's efforts to bring books to families in need.Brooklyn Book Bodega's vibrant book distribution programs aim to make reading materials more accessible to underserved communities across New York City.Brooklyn Today

In a city as large and diverse as New York, access to books is not always equal. Brooklyn Book Bodega, founded in 2018 by Rebecca Cohen and Seema Rampersad, is working to change that by making sure more children and families have books in their homes.

Why it matters

The nonprofit organization recognizes that access to books and reading materials can have a significant impact on childhood development and education, especially in underserved communities that may lack resources. By bringing books directly to families, Brooklyn Book Bodega hopes to foster a love of reading and learning.

The details

Brooklyn Book Bodega operates a book distribution program, partnering with schools, community centers, and other organizations to identify families in need and provide them with free books to keep. The organization also hosts pop-up book fairs and reading events to encourage literacy and community engagement.

  • Brooklyn Book Bodega was founded in 2018.
  • The organization continues to operate its book distribution and community programs.

The players

Rebecca Cohen

Co-founder of Brooklyn Book Bodega.

Seema Rampersad

Co-founder of Brooklyn Book Bodega.

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What’s next

Brooklyn Book Bodega plans to continue expanding its book distribution programs and community events to reach more families in need across New York City.

The takeaway

By bringing books directly to underserved communities, Brooklyn Book Bodega is working to promote literacy, foster a love of reading, and ensure that all children have access to the educational resources they need to succeed.