Imagine it’s a warm, sunny day and you are trying to find something to do during the summer but you can’t seem to find anything to cure your boredom.
For many people, the solution would be to sit back, relax, and read a nice book. The All Voices Reading Room in Winchester has many to choose from.
The All Voices Reading Room is a locally owned, non-profit library started in 2024. The library holds a collection of books focused on inclusivity and equality.
Lisa Bush, the library’s founder and director, said the library helps bring people together.
“Our goal is to promote diversity, inclusion, and equality,” Bush said. “We just need more kindness and compassion.”
The library is currently in the process of finding a permanent building, but until then, they are holding vendor pop-ups at The Hall every two weeks for easy access.
“You show up, sign the book out, give your phone number, and we text you when we are having a pop-up and where we will be,” Bush said. “You generally keep the book for about a month, but you can renew them as well.”
The library’s collection of books is nothing short of amazing. They have children’s books that promote kindness, memoirs, and general and non-fiction books. The All Voices Reading Room hosted a black history month event as well, at which they brought their selection of African-American and Black History books.
“We have a bunch of kids’ books, young adult books, and adult books,” Board President Kim Grissam said. “This list is constantly growing from donations from the community.”
Non-profit organizations are very reliant on community support. Many people in the community have helped to promote the library and lead it to where it is now.
“I really cannot stress enough how much the community has come together to help us,” Bush said. “I was able to find people who are just as passionate as me and they all bring about their own special talents and connections. That’s been a huge help.”
The library has allowed for many connections to be made throughout the community.
“The biggest benefit of the library is the knowledge and friendships you obtain by visiting and getting involved,” Grissam said.
The best way to get involved with the All Voices Reading Room is to help promote the library. They encourage you to follow their social media to keep up with their pop-up events.
“We hope to accomplish becoming that safe space for the community,” Grissam said. “Check out books, have good conversations, and develop friendships.”
