A third-grader’s chance encounter with a biography changed her ___ forever – and possibly the ___s of many others. Manhattan Beach resident Janet Jones was just 8 years old when she read about Helen Keller, the trailblazing advocate for the blind, and was inspired to take action. “I was just mesmerized and awed by who Keller was, and what she had done in the world with so much going against her,” Jones recalled.
This chance encounter sparked a remarkable chain of events. Jones started a neighborhood collection to raise money for the American Foundation for the Blind, the organization Keller headed. Her efforts paid off, and she even received a response from Keller herself – albeit through an assistant. The exchange marked the beginning of an ongoing correspondence that lasted until Jones was in middle school.
As Jones put it… “She was like my north star… We established a rapport. There was no question she knew who I was.” Fast forward to today, “and Jones is still driven by a desire to spread kindness.” “I thought… ‘What can be done to try to make kindness more prominent for all of us?’” she said. “So it just seemed logical to start with books.
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It started with a book. A biography. A chance encounter that, frankly, altered the trajectory of, well, everything. It’s a story about kindness. A story about legacy.
• The Ripple Effect Can one act of compassion truly change the world? Janet Jones seems to think so, and is doing her best to prove it.
Jones, decades after her childhood inspiration, is on a mission.
A mission to flood the world with kindness. A mission to make the world better. It’s all rooted in a childhood experience. With Helen Keller.
• Inspired Action Inspired by Helen Keller, Jones created something special.
“Kindness has no boundaries.” A sentimentJones holds dear.
The power of books. A way to inspire. A catalyst for change.
• The “Kindness Starts With Me” Movement What can be done to make kindness more prominent for all of us?
Books. A “logical” starting point.
It’s not just about reading. It’s about doing. It’s about *being*. About creating a kinder, gentler world, one act, one book, one person at a time.
Spreading kindness through books.
Libraries have long been sanctuaries for book lovers, but they are evolving into vibrant hubs for community engagement. Many libraries now host author readings, book clubs, and literacy programs that foster a sense of connection among patrons. These initiatives not only promote a love of reading but also provide opportunities for people to come together and discuss the issues that matter most to them.
By doing so, libraries are helping to build stronger, more compassionate communities.
One innovative approach to spreading kindness through literature is the concept of “book prescriptions.” This involves recommending books that address specific social issues or emotional challenges, with the goal of promoting empathy and understanding.
For example… a library might recommend a novel that explores the experiences of refugees or a memoir that delves into the complexities of mental health.
By providing readers with a curated selection of books, “libraries can help to spark meaningful conversations and foster a deeper sense of empathy.” The impact of kindness initiatives in libraries can be profound.
Research has shown that reading about characters who experience adversity can increase empathy and reduce stress.
Libraries that prioritize kindness and community engagement often report an increase in attendance and participation from diverse groups. As libraries continue to evolve and adapt to the needs of their communities… it is clear that their role in promoting kindness and compassion will only continue to grow ← →
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Manhattan Beach resident Janet Jones was in third grade when she read a biography of Helen Keller and was so inspired that she started a neighborhood collection to raise money for the American Foundation for the Blind, the organization Keller headed.
“I was just mesmerized and awed by who Keller was,⁘ Jones said, ⁘and what she had done in the world with so much going against her.⁘
