The Ohio Somali Book Fair is a community-rooted nonprofit dedicated to uplifting Somali voices, supporting New American families, and building inclusive literary spaces across Ohio.
What began in 2018 as informal book-sharing circles among Somali families in Columbus has grown into a powerful movement. Parents wanted more for their children — more books in their language, more cultural representation, and a stronger connection to school success. That vision led to our formal registration as a nonprofit in 2025.
Today, we work at the intersection of literacy and identity, culture and curriculum, heritage and graduation readiness — proudly aligning with Ohio's education goals. Our programs support Somali youth as a core part of the New American community, engaging parents, educators, and institutions in transforming schools into spaces where every story is valued and belongs.
We don't just host book fairs — we create platforms for voice, pride, and belonging.
The Ohio Somali Book Fair exists to uplift Somali voices, promote literacy, and create culturally inclusive spaces that connect families, educators, and communities, particularly those within Ohio's diverse and growing New American population.
We celebrate storytelling, support students on their educational journey, and empower parents to be active partners in learning. Through literature, we build identity, bridge generations, and foster academic success aligned with Ohio's curriculum, with a focus on Somali youth as a vital part of the New American experience.
We envision an Ohio where Somali and other New American stories are proudly represented in classrooms, libraries, and homes, inspiring students, engaging families, and enriching our shared cultural fabric.
In our future, immigrant and refugee youth will thrive in education, families will feel empowered, and culturally rooted literature will be celebrated as an essential part of Ohio's
In many Somali and immigrant homes, storytelling is not just a pastime — it's a legacy.
In 2018, a group of Somali families in Columbus realized that while their homes were rich with stories, their children's classrooms and libraries lacked representation. So, they created their solution: a community-organized book fair with donated books, shared tea, and big dreams.
That grassroots event sparked something powerful. In 2025, the Ohio Somali Book Fair officially became a nonprofit and has since evolved into a statewide platform for literary access, cultural celebration, and educational partnership.
We continue to grow, reaching more families, amplifying more voices, and shaping an Ohio where every child can find their story on the shelf.
The Ohio Somali Book Fair is a community-rooted nonprofit dedicated to uplifting Somali voices, supporting New American families, and building inclusive literary spaces across Ohio.
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