2024 Book Brigade Recap & Birthday Celebration!

Immediate Release

Ian Brundige - Give@BBB4E.org - 219-218-3029

This year the Book Brigade brought free books to the neighborhoods around the three Hammond elementary schools that recently closed! Kenwood, Morton, and Lew Wallace elementary schools were identified as important neighborhoods to delivery free books this fall. Books Brigade walks also took place around Edison and Franklin elementary. Even expanding to Lincoln Elementary school in East Chicago to distribute books during school dismissal. 

On Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, BBB4E celebrated 24 years of community arts education. Live music from Jesse Hernandez and Nick echoed through the air as children of all ages drew with chalk and selected free books. Twelve back-to-school supply kits were given away, each including a backpack with notebooks, pencils and other essential materials. With beautiful weather, the event was held in the parking lot of the Merge Building for the second year. 

The Midwest Youth Choir’s new director, Russell Pikes Jr., was introduced. Registration for the fall, winter and spring choir season is now open. Students will meet throughout the school year developing professionalism and confidence through singing! The Adult Choir is also resuming starting Nov. 4, 2024.

BBB4E also unveiled it’s first Little Free Library as an extension of the our flagship literary program, the Book Brigade. The Book Brigade Ambassador’s group continues to innovate new ways to promote reading in NWI! The group will meet every second Tuesday through the Fall! Join us Nov. 12 and Dec. 10 at the Merge building to help write the next chapter of the Book Brigade.

The Book Brigade is expanding this November with event to celebration National Family Literacy Month!

With gratitude,

BBB4E’s Staff and Board