Building Belonging Through Books | A conversation with Dessa Carroll, founder – Brown Babies n’ Books | Book Lounge by Libby

What started as a search for representation turned into a movement. 

In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Dessa Carroll, founder of Brown Babies n' Books, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit dedicated to creating culturally rooted literacy experiences for families. 

Together, they explore: 

• The inspiration behind launching Brown Babies n’ Books 
• What it takes to build a grassroots community from the ground up 
• Why representation in books matters—for kids and caregivers 
• How storytelling can foster belonging, identity, and connection 
• What’s next for this growing organization 

This is a heartfelt, energizing conversation about the power of books to shape lives. 

Connect with Dessa & Brown Babies n’ Books:  

• Brown Babies n’ Books website
• Brown Babies n’ Books Instagram
• Dessa Carroll’s Instagram

Titles mentioned in this episode: 

• Freedom Braids – Monique Duncan
• Amazing Grace – Mary Hoffman
• Saturday – Oge Mora
• The History of We – Nikkolas Smith
• Soca Baby – Qef Johnson, Ariful Mowla
• Black. Single. Mother. - Jamilah Lemieux

Time stamps: 

00:00:00 Title
00:00:23 Intro
00:01:17 Meet Brown Babies n’ Books
00:24:43 Some book reflections & recommendations
00:33:55 Making your own community groups
00:38:32 Advice for new and existing groups
00:45:12 Wrapping up & outro
 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

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We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

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