Credit Liam Niemeyer / WKMS
Murray residents calling for removal of a local Confederate monument donated books to their county library and other “little free” libraries throughout the city on Saturday in an effort to engage and give back to their community. The donations followed a “week of action” organized by these residents centered around the past Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Rikki Neal and her two toddlers brought dozens of books into Calloway County Public Library, most of them children’s books featuring multicultural stories and history, including the book, “I Promise” by basketball star LeBron James. Neal said her husband, Sherman, helped fundraise about $1,500 in the community to buy more than 100 books in total. Advocates hope the books help community members gain perspective and awareness on diverse experiences.