BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — Brooklyn native and multidisciplinary artist OlaRonke Akinmowo started the Free Black Women’s Library in 2015. For the past decade, the social art project has served as a testament to Akinmowo’s passion for collaboration and community-based art and education.

“I’ve been responsible for keeping it going, curating programming, coming up with mutual aid initiatives, developing workshops, special events, running the book club, the book swap, the free store, pantry, the backyard, garden, all the different activities, curating the collection, keeping it organized, collaborating with authors, publishers, museums, art galleries, schools, social justice organizations, activists, whoever is interested in doing something with the library,” said Akinmowo, who described the library as her “brainchild.” 

The Free Black Women’s Library features over 5,000 books written by Black women and nonbinary writers. The library stocks every genre and reading level. Visitors can find comic books, graphic novels, magazines, zines and traditional books. Akinmowo designed the library to be a third space where visitors can utilize the space for educational, artistic and community activities. 

“The library is a reading room, it’s a social site, it’s an archive, it’s a co-working space and a community care space where anyone of any race, age or gender can come and use the space to work on a personal project,” said Akinmowo, adding that the space has resources such as Wi-Fi, outdoor seating and community programming. “People use this space to meet friends, write in their journals, or work on an art project like drawing, painting, sewing, knitting or crocheting. People come and rest here.” 

Resources and activities at the library include a Sunday book swap where patrons can bring a book that aligns with the library’s themes and exchange it for a book from the library. 

The library also has a period pantry with free menstruation products and a free store with new and gently used clothes, accessories, bags and shoes. Patrons are encouraged to donate when able to maintain the library’s resources, which combat the rapid gentrification and development occurring in the neighborhood. Through various resources, programs and efforts, Akinmowo hopes to combat poverty, gentrification and inequality by creatively caring for her community.