Citi Volunteers Will Choose from Thousands of Books that Reflect the Diversity of NYC, Written by or about Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian, Middle Eastern, North African and LGBTQIA+ Individuals

NEW YORK, NY (TIP): The New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) , on May 19,  announced a virtual book drive, in partnership with Citi, that will result in the delivery of thousands of books to children and teenagers across New York City. As part of Citi’s annual Global Community Day, Citi volunteers will choose from a list of over 2,500 books curated by ACS staff that are written by or about Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Each book that is donated will be matched by Citi, with the goal of collecting at least 2,500 books by the end of June. “Today’s reader is tomorrow’s leader,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “By placing thousands of books that reflect the diversity of our city in the hands of our youth and children, we are planting the seeds to foster a more inclusive future generation to lead our city.” “New York City is made up of so many immigrant families; that is why it is so important for children and young people to have the chance to read and learn from books that have heroes and sheroes that look just like them,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “This is such a special initiative that reflects the beauty and diversity of our city. Thank you to ACS and to Citi for coming together to make this possible. Happy reading to all of our kids!”

“The Administration for Children’s Services is committed to ensuring children and youth have the resources they need to reach their full potential and literacy is one of the greatest gifts we can give,” said ACS Commissioner Jess Dannhauser. “Books help teach children about the world, which is why our virtual book drive with Citi includes thousands of empowering books that represent the diversity of New York City and that are written by and about Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian and LGBTQAI+ individuals. Thank you to Citi for partnering with us on this book drive, which will benefit thousands of children and teenagers.” “Reading opens a window to the world, transporting young New Yorkers to new places and exposing them to diverse people and cultures,” said Edward Skyler, Head of Global Public Affairs at Citi and former Deputy Mayor of New York City. “Citi’s continued partnership with the Administration for Children’s Services to promote early and diverse literacy is an effort that embodies our shared mission of enabling progress in our communities and investing in the future of New York City’s youth.”

Books purchased by Citi volunteers through the virtual book drive will be delivered to children and teens across the City, including: those in foster care; those in the juvenile justice system; those temporarily residing at the Nicholas Scoppetta Children’s Center and other ACS-involved youth. Additionally, books will be delivered to children and teens in the communities surrounding the agency’s three Family Enrichment Centers in Hunts Point/Longwood and Highbridge in the Bronx and East New York in Brooklyn. The list of 2,500 books was created by ACS staff participating in various cultural affinity groups including the Racial Equity and Cultural Competency Committee (RECCC), Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Committee, and the Latino Heritage Committee.