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In August of 2018, the world lost an incredible human being, Dr. Hindi Krinsky, at the young age of 32. To continue Hindi's legacy, family and friends chose to build three free-standing libraries in her children's school. In order to fill these libraries, they reached out to the community for gently used books.
Within two weeks, they received approximately 500 books.
They knew then that this was going to be much bigger than just three small libraries.
Since January 2019, Hindi's Libraries has collected over 120,000 books which they've donated to more than 400 organizations throughout the world spanning across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Africa, India & Israel.
Together, we continue to share Hindi's passion for reading and love of literature with thousands of children.
Meet Leslie Gang
How did you get to be where you are today?
My name is Leslie Gang and I’m the cofounder of Hindi’s Libraries. I’m also a mother of two children and the Director of Admissions and Communications at The Brandeis School in New York. My life has been anything but easy and simple, but my mother always taught me to move forward and work to overcome the obstacles and challenges you face in life.
Have you ever been fired?
I’ve never been let go from a job, but have stepped away from various positions when I felt that I’ve evolved past them.
What are your real passions?
I love theatre. I love Broadway musicals, especially. I’m fortunate to live in New York and have the opportunity to see shows multiple times a year. I also love to write poetry. I am in the process of finalizing a children’s book which I’m very excited about.
If you won the lottery, what would you do?
I would buy one of those condos on cruise ships that you can live in all year long, and travel around the world by boat.
What do you do to help others be their best?
Listening is probably the most important aspect of friendship and helping a friend. I try to really hear what people are saying, and provide advice and feedback that I would want someone to tell me.
How do you help yourself be the best you can be?
I think it’s very important to have “me” time at least once a week. For me, it’s either jogging, packaging books for my nonprofit, or even watching television in a room alone. It’s especially important to decompress and just pause, especially when you’re juggling so much in life.
What do you like to do for fun?
My family loves to travel. Although the pandemic put a small stop on that, we’re slowly beginning to resume our explorations. We’re also a very big Disney family- whether it’s going to a Disney park, Disney Cruise or simply enjoying a Disney movie- I love it all.
What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
My goal is to really make Hindi’s Libraries a presence in the world to those who can benefit from us. When someone has a room full of children’s books they don’t know what to do with, I want them to immediately think of us- no matter where they are.
Please give us one or two shameless plugs.
Hindi’s Libraries donates books to children in need all over the world at NO COST to our recipients. Each box costs us approximately $25 to ship and all funds raised are used to help send our boxes all over the world.
Why do you do what you do?
I got involved with Hindi’s family by happenstance and my role at my former job. But being a part of something so spectacular that has branched out all over the US and internationally, while partnering with teens, community organizations and families across the globe to collect and donate books- really reminded me what’s important in life- GIVING. COLLABORATION. TEAMWORK. KINDNESS.
What are a few of your goals?
I’d really love to partner with a larger publisher, book company, book store or corporation that has the same mission as us- bridging the literacy gap and promoting literacy.
I’d also really love to set up chapters of Hindi’s Libraries in universities across the country who can help us fulfill our mission.
What do the words "Best Ever You" mean to you?
Being the real, true you that you know you are deep inside, without any shame or embarrassment and allowing the unique light inside of you to shine.
Visit https://www.hindislibraries.com/ for more information.