Bridging the literacy cap: The Luxe Library’s mission to inspire readers

Delicia B. Davis, an educator and mother, is on a mission to reignite a passion for reading through her innovative organization, The Luxe Library. Founded in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Luxe Library blends literacy, creativity, and community engagement to empower individuals in urban and underserved areas.

“The Luxe Library is a full-service media library dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for urban youth and families through literacy education, high-quality publishing, and distinctive storytelling,” Davis said. “We specialize in creating opportunities for creators to publish their  work.”

Davis’ passion for literacy stems from her teaching career, where she encountered students struggling to read at grade level. “About 50% of students are not reading on grade level, and about 70% of Black students are in the same position,” Davis explained. Motivated to make a difference, she left her teaching role in 2020 to fully dedicate herself to creating literacy-focused resources and programs.

Despite pandemic-related challenges, Davis transformed obstacles into opportunities. She launched the Luxe Library with a virtual book club, attracting readers, writers, and community leaders. The initiative soon expanded to include book-writing classes, with one of its earliest successes being a youth book-writing club that garnered over 300 participants worldwide, from China to Africa.

“We realized we had something special,” Davis said. “The pandemic allowed us to reconnect with literacy in ways we hadn’t before.”

Since its inception, the Luxe Library has evolved into a multifaceted organization offering diverse programs, including songwriting, screenwriting, magazine creation, and podcasting. These initiatives engage children, teenagers, and adults alike, fostering creativity and literacy in unconventional ways.

The Luxe Library also publishes Luxy Magazine, which features editions for children, teens, and adults. Davis and her team partner with schools to bring their literacy programs directly into classrooms.

Recently, Davis celebrated a milestone by launching an in-person book club at Raymour & Flanigan in Valley Stream, marking the Luxe Library’s return to in-person events after five years. “This was a full-circle moment for us,” she said.

With a growing community and a strong digital presence, the Luxe Library continues to serve as a beacon of hope, transforming lives and communities through the power of words. “Literacy is more than reading; it’s about opportunities,” Davis emphasized.