Welcome to
The Orange Library
The Orange Library: a safe and inclusive BIPOC community library for teenagers and young adults.
Welcome to The Orange Library, a place of stories, a space of connection. We're more than books; we're a community that celebrates diversity and empowerment.Here, pages breathe life into dreams, and every tale speaks to the heart. Our shelves hold voices from all walks of life, inviting you to explore, to learn, and to belong.
Join us on this journey of discovery and growth. The Orange Library is more than words – it's a promise of inspiration and connection.
About
At The Orange Library, we are more than just a collection of books; we are a vision, and a testament to the power of diversity and inclusion.The Orange Library is a safe space for teenagers and young adults to find themselves and each other. The Orange Library is an inclusive space with literature and language that respects, cares for and tells stories that reflect back to these young people. We know that education and learning is important for growth and self-awareness. We also know that community is just as vital, building a safe and caring community helps us and those around us grow and learn to accept each other for who we are.
Vision
Our vision is to create a safe space where young adults can find themselves reflected in the pages of a book. The Orange Library stands as a nurturing haven that amplifies diverse narratives, empowering young minds to explore their roots, expand their horizons, and write their own stories.
Values
Diversity is our cornerstone. We're committed to curating a collection that reflects the beautiful mosaic of BIPOC experiences. Empowerment is our driving force. Through literature, we aim to empower young people to embrace their identities, believe in their potential, and envision a future full of possibilities.
Why a library for young adults?
Imagine stepping into a place where every page turned is an affirmation of your existence. Just like the perfect orange, when you slice it open and you know it will be good, that is how it should be to open a book, the words flowing like orange juice, the pages turning making you curious about the final taste. Teenagers and young adults deserve a place that gives them the power to do language, to paraphrase Toni Morrison.
History
In the sun-soaked yards of my grandfather's Gambian compound, storytelling was a tapestry that adorned my childhood. With every tale spun, the very air seemed to come alive, carrying me on whimsical journeys.
Growing up, books were as precious as golden sands, with stories flowing through oral traditions. But the tales I treasured often stood apart from the sun-kissed reality. Gambia, a land of priorities, saw limited resources for literature. Yet, within me, a fire ignited.
In Sweden, a country embraced by a different sky, I found a gateway to the stories I longed for. Libraries there, brimming with diverse narratives, became my haven. And now, The Orange Library is born, a tribute to oral heritage and a beacon of empowerment.
Join me on this odyssey, where the tales of yesterday and dreams of tomorrow converge. Let's pen a chapter of change, celebrating the stories that resonate deep within the Gambian soul.
With stories lighting our way,
Ben Camara
Founder
Ben Camara
Driven by a deep passion for literature, empowerment, and fostering a sense of community, Ben is the visionary force behind The Orange Library. With a background rooted in the love of storytelling and a determination to bridge cultural divides, Ben has embarked on a journey to create a caring space of inclusivity. Drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of Gambian oral storytelling and experience as a librarian in Stockholm, Ben envisions a space where young minds can thrive, explore, and find their own voices. Ben’s dedication to rewriting narratives and celebrating the power of stories is at the heart of this transformative endeavor. In Sweden and in France, Ben studied Literature and Social Anthropology with the aim of becoming a librarian and then establishing a safe and inclusive library for teenagers and young adults. The Orange Library is a project that Ben has been working towards an entire adult life.
Support
The Orange Library:
Empower Through Literature
At The Orange Library, we believe in the transformative power of literature. Our mission is to create a safe space in Gambia where young minds can discover, explore, and thrive through the magic of books. We're on a journey to bridge gaps, celebrate diversity, and empower the next generation of readers and thinkers.
Why Donate?
Your support means more than you know. By contributing to The Orange Library, you're investing in the education, empowerment, and future of young individuals in Gambia. Your donation goes directly towards:
Blog
Join Us Blog Post Title Longer Test
Blog Post Title
Join Us 4 Books
Contact
Have a question, suggestion, or just want to say hello?
We'd love to hear from you.
Reach out to us using the email address below.
Follow our every step!
Sign up to get our newsletter!
