From Childhood Inspiration to Social Justice Advocate: Tayler Simon Shares Her Passion for Books and Liberation

Tayler Simon’s love for reading began long before she could even decipher the written word. Her mother introduced her to the magical world of stories through Disney books on cassette tapes. Each page turn marked by a beep, she would immerse herself in tales that fueled her imagination. Family trips to the library were a cherished ritual, igniting a lifelong passion for literature.

As she entered college, Simon became a Bonner Leader Scholar, immersing herself in social justice work. This pivotal experience led her to pursue a master’s in social work at the University of South Carolina. However, as she navigated internships and job placements, a sense of burnout emerged, leaving her questioning her fulfillment. The excitement of her dream jobs dimmed, prompting her to take a bold leap into the unknown.

In 2023, after resigning from her jobs, Simon launched her blog, Liberation is Lit. Initially called "It's Lit," the platform aimed to uplift voices of marginalized authors, addressing themes often neglected in mainstream discussions. Recognizing the importance of these narratives, Simon began to envision a bookstore that could bridge her love for reading with her commitment to social justice.

Starting small, she reached out to friends and community members for book donations, combining their contributions with her personal collection. Pop-up events soon followed, serving as communal spaces where literature met activism. Her vision was clear: Liberation is Lit would be a beacon of hope, advocating for marginalized voices while promoting literacy as a pathway to empowerment.

Simon’s bookstore prioritizes books by Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, and disabled authors. This commitment extends to challenging censorship and advocating for freedom in literary access. Her work with the Freedom to Read SC coalition highlights the importance of providing resources to schools and libraries facing challenges in acquiring diverse literature.

Through initiatives like the Liberated Young Adult Book Club, Simon fosters discussions around books that tell stories of systemic issues such as police brutality, systemic racism, and more. The club invites authors to engage with young readers, offering a platform for critical conversations and personal connection to the material.

Beyond merely selling books, Liberation is Lit creates a community hub. Simon organizes events with local organizations, like the Colorado State Abortion Fund, to discuss relevant social issues through the lens of literature. The bookstore’s liberation fund gives away hundreds of books annually, ensuring that access to vital narratives is available to everyone.

Starting a business was not without its obstacles. Simon grapples with the complexities of running a bookstore, from navigating the intricacies of book publishing to combating persistent censorship and self-censorship among educators. Yet her passion for storytelling drives her forward.

In an era dominated by quick media consumption and diminishing attention spans, Simon advocates for the importance of reading, emphasizing that books are not just stories but mirrors reflecting diverse experiences. They encourage empathy and understanding, which are both critical elements in fostering change.

With a vision of expanding her bookstore into a nationwide movement, she aims to inspire others to tell their stories. By empowering marginalized voices, she wants to create a literary realm where every story matters, advocating for a world that recognizes and embraces diversity.

Through Liberation is Lit, Tayler Simon hopes to bridge the worlds of literature and social justice, proving that stories not only entertain, but inspire change. As more people join her movement, the narrative of liberation through reading continues to unfold, enriching communities and shaping futures.

For those wishing to support Simon’s mission, Liberation is Lit not only welcomes donations of books but encourages community involvement in promoting literacy and accessibility to diverse literature.  

To connect with Liberation is Lit, visit the website at liberationislit.com