Crystal J. Latty: Creating Lady Bookworm, Facilitating Healthy Relationships And Empowering Through Creativity

Lady Bookworm is an online platform and nonprofit organization founded by Bronx native Crystal J. Latty. The mission of her organization is to foster and inspire lifelong learning through reading, and it has already begun making an impact in Miami. After learning that Florida has some of the nation's lowest graduation rates, Crystal was inspired to do her part in facilitating healthy relationships with reading throughout the state. I attended Lady Bookworm's first Literary Series and I can attest to the authenticity of the powerhouse behind the movement. Crystal is a selfless community activist hoping to leave behind a legacy through empowering others to seek out their creativity and narratives through stories and engagement. I promise that after reading this you'll want nothing more to power down your electronics and dive into a book!

How did Lady Bookworm begin?

It started off as a blog that I had running for about a year. I'm an avid reader, so on my blog, I would share recommendations, suggested reading lists, and book reviews. After some time I launched a concept for my site called "weekly bookworm" where I'd reach out to socialites and influencers and ask them questions about the literary world and the impact it had on their career. About 9-10 months in I began thinking "how can I do more?", so on the one-year anniversary of the blog, I turned Lady Bookworm into an official non-profit organization. 

What is the mission of Lady Bookworm? 

It's to foster and inspire lifelong learning through reading. The objective is to raise awareness for literacy needs and literacy not only in the U.S but across the world; primarily in the West Indies because that's where my family is from. One of the goals is to eventually donate school supplies, books, and coordinate for groups of educators to go on mission trips to teach in low-income rural communities. There's some much I'd like to accomplish with Lady Bookworm. Each day I learn something new or have an idea on something I can add onto further facilitate the mission.

Is there a certain demographic Lady Bookworm is trying to appeal to? 

I wouldn't say I target a specific demographic, but sometimes it works out that I naturally appeal to women of color like myself. Am I consciously making this decision? No, not at all! I've reached out to a plethora of authors but the ones found on my website were just the ones who responded and who showed a passion in promoting their work.

Are you open to authors and writers reaching out to you to be featured? Yeah, of course! 

How has the experience been trying to launch this movement in Miami? 

Miami is difficult for me. I'm not a Miami native, I'm from New York and so are a lot of my followers and supporters. I remember telling one of my girlfriends Val "I'm so done with Miami". I was really so close to leaving. I felt like the crowd here was just so flaky and everyone just wanted to party. I figured, how could I possibly preach about the importance of culture, community, and activism in this environment? But thankfully Val put it into perspective for me and was like "no, you cannot leave Miami because you are going to foster what it's lacking, you are going to push, and you are going to dig deep" I'm continuously working through the kinks of getting more comfortable with the community I'm in and activating it the way it needs to be.

Exactly what type of feeling are you trying to foster in others through reading? Specifically in this city.  

I want to make reading fun again! A lot of my friends from Miami say they never really liked reading and that it was just something they had to do for school, so I'd like to show them that there is joy in it. I remember reading an article about the graduation rates per state and Florida was one of the lowest, and that really stuck with me. I think Florida as a whole needs to rethink their approach to facilitating a healthy relationship with reading.Whether this movement is something that is fostered and developed in Miami then branched out upstate, it's important to show that literacy is the root of everything. It's just all about building the community! I believe that there is growth that can come from having a healthy relationship with reading. Whether it's building your vocabulary or diction, the way you write or express yourself, or the way you interact with people reading is a necessary component of it all. 

How do you recommend your everyday person fit reading into their jam-packed schedule? 

Just like it takes about 21 days to build a habit of consistently eating better or exercising, the same can be done for reading. I make it a point to take put aside an hour to read before I start my day or an hour right before I go to bed. For me, reading is relaxing so it's part of my self-care routine.A good idea is to always carry a book in your bag. You never know when you'll have free time in your day to squeeze in some reading.

What are some things people can gain from reading a book that they aren't provided with by scrolling online? What are people missing out on? 

Reading awakens your imagination. We see the imagery and it takes us somewhere else. For some their daily lives are tumultuous, but through reading it could take them to a peaceful place. Some don't have the opportunities to physically travel, but they've traveled because they've read. Reading is deeper than expanding the intellect, it is the expression of creativity. Books have the unique ability to mirror reality for some people, which I believe can give them insight on how to handle situations that may come up in the future. 

I envision it being one of the top 5 book review companies

What can people expect from the bi-monthly Lady Bookworm Literary Series? 

Aside from the merchandise and goodies, the biggest takeaway is the conversation. The authors and I always think we're putting on an event to discuss their books or whatever they've put together, but the audience is always so engaged that they end up teaching us something. With every Literary Series, it's the message that's taken away that is most important. You make walk away with a Lady Bookworm mug, tote, and a really good book to read, but the experience is one you can never forget. The entire experience unfolds organically and beautifully because of how engaged our attendees are on the given topics.

What can we expect from Lady Bookworm in the near future? 

There will definitely be a summer Literary Series and I'm hoping to also host a back to school event!

Where do you envision Lady Bookworm in 5 years? 

I'll want to be featuring old and new authors, hosting community events, and continuing to work on leaving behind a legacy.

If you could get one message out to the world, what would it be?

We need to foster and continue to inspire lifelong learning through reading. I know it's not the only channel or avenue that we can do that through but it's one of them and it's an important one! 

Keep in touch with Lady Bookworm here on Instagram @ladybookworm.