Jacarrie Carr’s installation of bookshelves in laundromats is the definition of meeting people where they are. And it’s one of my favorite stories of 2025.
My interest started when I came across a Facebook post that Carr uploaded in June.
When I read the post, it reminded me of the times I spent growing up in Milwaukee Public Schools and always hearing adults discussing how low reading scores were, especially among African Americans.
Teachers tried their hardest to help children at school, which is great, but the real change, work and improvement start at home because that’s where children spend most of their time.
As a Milwaukee native myself who went to laundromats often as a child, I can attest that back then, laundromats used to only have vending machines and games to play while parents folded and washed clothes.
Now, laundromats have little to nothing for distractions or anything that could add to a youth’s learning development.
I thought that Carr’s installation was unique and helpful. What stood out the most during our interview was learning how the community came together to build the shelves and donated tons of books.
Seeing Carr in person shelving books highlighted how NNS serves as a resource for its readers, connecting them to free and accessible opportunities in the community.
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