Trajectory Alumni Profile
Bringing bookshelves to barbershops
GSE alum empowers Black communities through literacy
BY DANIELLE LEGARE
Jelicia Jimenez’s love for libraries and literature was first sparked at the Brooklyn Public Library. A 2022 graduate of GSE’s information and library science master’s program, her story is deeply rooted in her childhood, where Saturdays were spent exploring the vast world of books with her family. This early connection to libraries shaped her love for reading, leading her to pursue a career as a librarian.
Her passion for libraries and reading prompted her to search for a library program near New York City. GSE’s master’s program was one of the only accredited programs that appeared in her search. Intrigued by the research element and the potential to make an impact, Jimenez—along with her family—moved to Buffalo to enroll at UB. “The program was [available] fully online, but I wanted to find ways to connect with the campus. I wanted to make the most of my time in the program,” she said.
She did just that.
Jimenez thrived while participating in fieldwork opportunities, a graduate assistantship and coursework with GSE faculty like Clinical Associate Professor Brenda L. Battleson White: “She was wonderful. I loved the books that she introduced us to. Her class helped me understand information seeking as an objective behavior instead of the subjective,” Jimenez recalled.
White, in turn, recognized Jimenez’s passion and commitment to the communities she served. “Jelicia was a pleasure to work with because she always kept the needs of information users at the center of her decision-making,” said White.
Jimenez’s coursework became a powerful tool, driving informed decision-making and enabling her to track the impact of her work. After completing her program, she started contemplating the ways people from diverse backgrounds approach information. This reflection led to the birth of a groundbreaking initiative—Black Boys Read Too.
Partnering with Buffalo educator Ruqayyah Simmons, Jimenez initiated the placement of bookshelves and literacy pop-ups in barbershops throughout Buffalo, ensuring representation and diversity in the titles chosen. Their efforts have fostered environments where children and families can gather, read and connect.
The success of these endeavors has exceeded expectations, with barbers actively participating in conversations about literacy and parents finding joy in reading with their children. Their efforts have also expanded: Jimenez and Simmons recently placed bookshelves in community centers, waiting rooms and after-school programs throughout Buffalo.
“In class, Jelicia recognized the role of community in individuals’ information seeking and use,” said White. “The amazing work she has done in developing the Black Boys Read Too program is evidence of this. Jelicia not only saw an information need—in this case, books that reflect characters with whom readers can identify—but she moved beyond the library to develop a way to involve the community in meeting that need.”
Jimenez, who currently serves as a community school navigator at Say Yes Buffalo, credits her time at GSE for helping to shape her innovative thinking. “My program was meaningful, and my heart is still tied to library and information sciences because of it,” she said. “When you think of libraries, you think of literacy, but it’s about data-informed decision-making and how societal progress leads to changes in information seeking.”
Looking ahead, Jimenez hopes to continue inspiring a love of reading in children, especially boys: “We noticed qualitatively that boys were less motivated to go grab a book, and they saw it as more of a punishment than something to indulge in. I hope the kids who attend our Black Boys Read Too community events will be inspired and intrinsically motivated to keep reading.”
Interested in contributing?
Donations can be made on the Black Boys Read Too website, and volunteers are always needed to help with book swaps and read-aloud events.