Rosemary Square today announces the expansion of its retail and experiential offerings by proudly welcoming South Florida’s first standalone children’s bookstore. Rohi’s Readery will celebrate the first official weekend of summer for Palm Beach County School students, Juneteenth and Father’s Day with opening weekend festivities Friday through Sunday, June 18th through 20th . It will be the first-ever social justice driven children's bookstore dedicated to critical literacy promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Rohi's Readery is centered on a commitment to serve as a space for empowerment, belonging and accessibility for all when it comes to the world of critical literacy. To ensure that they are honoring and uplifting the everyday experiences of historically marginalized communities, they are committed to seeing characters in shades of Black and Brown, shedding light on those with disabilities, representing the LGBTQIA+ community, presenting authentic and accurate historical content that has been previously suppressed, and highlighting non-fiction content that reflect the strength and courage of everyday community members.
The one-of-a-kind bookstore will be family-owned and operated by Pranati (Pranoo) Kumar Skomra. Beginning her career in medicine and then evolving into education, she has taught, worked and founded a number of elementary school systems and programs on the East and West Coast. Most recently, she created her own consulting company focused on ensuring retention, voice and representation of Women of Color in education leadership.
“As a Woman of the Global Majority, my dream is to provide an inclusive space where all children including my own daughter can see themselves—their identity, culture, and future—in the pages of a book, which is something I never experienced as a young immigrant in the education system,” says Pranati Kumar Skomra. “The goal of the Readery is to build community, accessibility and critical conversations for our youngest ones. In my eyes, if you come in, read a book, and take what you have learned to make change in the world, then the Readery will have accomplished its mission.”
From live read alouds and family literacy support to highlighting authors and illustrator of the Global Majority, the nearly 1,000 square foot space will be located on the corner of Rosemary Avenue and Hibiscus Street in the heart of Rosemary Square as the park-like destination continues to expand its focus on supporting individuals that foster dialogue around diversity, immigration, LGBTQ+ and more.
“As a company, we are most passionate about engaging with the community and developing vibrant neighborhood platforms that lead with inclusivity and diversity. We believe in developing communities where everyone can learn from each other by listening to different perspectives around topics such as social consciousness/responsibility, sustainability, climate change, racial equity, diversity and inclusivity,” says Gopal Rajegowda, Partner for Related Southeast.
With Florida having the third lowest literacy rate and the lowest number of libraries in the country, the curated selection of books focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racist practice have value for any age from early childhood to adult.
Rohi’s Readery will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 12-6pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm. Adults and children alike can enjoy educational programming through story time, phonics classes, themed events and more from 10am-12pm Tuesday through Sunday.
For more information about Rohi’s Readery at Rosemary Square, please visit https://www.rohisreadery.com/ and follow them on Instagram at @rohisreadery.
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About Related Companies: Related Companies is a global real estate and lifestyle company defined by innovation and the most prominent privately-owned real estate firm in the United States with over $60 billion in assets owned or under development including the 28-acre Hudson Yards neighborhood on Manhattan’s West Side, The Grand and Related Santa Clara in California and The 78 in Chicago. Formed over 45 years ago, Related is the largest private owner of affordable housing and a fully-integrated, highly diversified industry leader with experience in virtually every aspect of design, development, acquisitions, management, finance, hospitality, sustainability, and sales. Related’s mixed-use, residential and commercial office properties have been consistently heralded for their placemaking vision – bringing together iconic design, arts and culture, dynamic programming, and innovative wellness programs. Headquartered in New York City, Related has offices and major developments in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, South Florida, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi and London, and boasts a team of approximately 4,000 professionals. Related was named to Fast Company Magazine’s list 50 Most Innovative Companies in the World. For more information about Related, please visit www.related.com.
DT Creative: Daniella Turchin daniella@dtcreative.co
