Our Story

In May of 2020, George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis. Tragically, he was one of many - the latest in a long history of racism in America. In the days and weeks following his death, George Floyd inspired many to use their voices and take action against injustice and racism. 

It was in this climate that Looking Glass Books was born. Twin Cities resident Alli Hearne was looking for a way to talk to her young children about racism, expose them to people of different backgrounds and ultimately reduce unconscious bias in the next generation. Diverse book lists and paid subscription boxes were widespread in the post-George Floyd era, but none of them went a step further to make it accessible, affordable and sticky to continue to obtain these books and continue the conversation over the long term.

Inspired by free book programs such as Imagination Library and PJ Library, Alli reached out to friends, family and coworkers to form a team of passionate partners with whom to start a nonprofit. Over the summer of 2020, they laid the groundwork to begin the work of Looking Glass Books.

“Looking Glass” means mirror. Through the books we distribute, we hope to better reflect the diversity of the world we live in for the next generation.