Stories. Archives. Community.
deangelo’s world
maintaining wonder
oak park public library
Deangelo's World is an immersive installation and storytelling experience created by Rapbrary that invites visitors into the imagination, resilience, and wonder of childhood. Through books, memory, art, and place, the project asks what becomes possible when every child sees themselves reflected in stories.
community engagement
Rapbrary creates storytelling workshops, community experiences, and cultural performances that use hip-hop, literature, and memory to inspire learning, connection, and possibility.
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lyric writing and storytelling workshops
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Community experiences & book clubs
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performances & installations
Film & Cultural Programming
Through documentary screenings, artist conversations, performances, exhibitions, and community gatherings, Rapbrary creates experiences that invite people to learn, reflect, and connect.
Rapbrary is also a creator of original cultural works. In 2026, we premiered Rapbrarian: Reading Came First, a documentary by Erin Turney and Roy Kinsey, directed by Erin Turney, exploring the intersection of hip-hop, librarianship, literacy, and community storytelling. The film reflects Rapbrary's belief that stories can inspire change, preserve history, and expand our understanding of what libraries can be.
literacy & libraries
Rapbrary believes that books belong wherever people gather, dream, and grow. That's why we've helped create permanent community libraries beyond the walls of traditional institutions, including donated collections at the Jamii Arts Center in Bronzeville and the Austin Town Hall with the Chicago Park District on Chicago's West Side.
Our commitment to literacy also extends to publishing. We are proud to have released our first two physical books, expanding the stories available to readers of all ages.
Dandelions: A Legacy Project is a collection of poetry exploring identity, resilience, memory, and hope. While written for readers of all ages, it has become a meaningful resource for teens and young adults navigating their own stories.
Deangelo and the Dandelion is a children's picture book that celebrates imagination, belonging, and the power of seeing beauty where others may not. Inspired by Chicago's West Side, it encourages young readers to embrace wonder, resilience, and the stories growing all around them.
Whether we're building libraries, donating books, publishing original works, or creating spaces where stories can flourish, Rapbrary is committed to making literacy accessible, joyful, and deeply rooted in community.
