Eliminating Book Deserts - A Quest to Bring Books to Everyone

I just finished listening to a TED Talk podcast entitled 'A Street Librarian's Quest to Bring Books to Everyone, Storybook Maize.' This podcast is about Storybook Maize, a radical street librarian, and her mission to make books accessible to underserved communities through free book vending machines and street corner story times.

One of Maize's main goals is to eliminate book deserts, places where kids don't have access to books. She is committed to overcoming barriers to book access, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to read and learn, no matter where they live.

What I found especially interesting about the podcast is that it's a grassroots movement that has gained momentum over time. Maize saw an issue in her community and started taking small steps to address it, like giving books to kids who asked for them. Over time, her efforts snowballed, reaching a wider audience and making a significant impact.

Now, Maize has not only delivered a TED Talk but also managed to put thousands of books into the hands of kids in need. It's pretty awesome to see how one person's dedication to a cause can grow into something much larger, touching so many lives in a positive way.

Resources to Explore

• What Are Book Deserts?
• End Book Deserts
• Nationwide Effort to #Endbookdeserts
• How Books Are Reaching Kids in ‘Book Deserts’
• Book Deserts” Are Real. Here’s What Schools Are Doing to Help Kids Who Live in Them.