Growing up, books were pretty accessible for me. We had kid friendly bookshelf. My primary school and summer camp made a point of scheduling regular library trips. By the time I had the means to go on my own, I new what the library had to offer, which was accessible and age appropriate books for patrons. I was fortunate to have a community that valued reading. It nurtured my curiosity. That being said, I understand that books aren’t accessible to everyone.
Sometimes, it’s a transportation issue. Plus, the library can feel intimidating. At a young age, communicating with adults your not related to can be tough. Even the Dewey Decimal System can make it feel like your staring at a black hole of books with a limited amount of time to find what interest you. Not all librarians are the same. There is a reason that full staffed libraries have a variety of people working there. Since libraries are funded by the city, the overall quality of libraries vary. That’s why Araba Maze’s, The Radical Street Librarians, story is intriguing to me.
The Radical Street Librarian installs Book Vending Machines in Baltimore’s Book Deserts
Do you know how expensive children’s books can be? Yes, there are thrifty ways to obtain them, but finding those books and distributing them is another obstacle. After all, a child’s early access to books is impacted by their environment. I understand where The Radical Street Librarian is coming from. Her mission to provide free new books via Book Vending Machine, Free Book Fairs, and “Take If It Interest You” bookshelves located in everyday spaces makes readers feel special.
Children throughout Baltimore can start their own home libraries just by visiting Book Vending Machines on a regular basis. Honestly, this takes mini lending libraries to another level. There’s no pressure to bring your own book to borrow one from there. Also, it reduces the anxiety of forgetting to return library materials, which can lead to fines overtime.
Instead, children can check out what’s available and keep what they pick. More importantly, they can see themselves in the books they take home. Arabia Maze makes a point for providing books that are multicultural in a way that’s relevant to a child. The Radical Street Librarian is actively doing something about increasing child literacy in her community, but what exactly is a book desert?
What’s a Book Desert?
According to Unite Books, a book desert is a Lack of access to relevant books in the home–especially for families with young children. It is a significant contributor to persistent and pervasive educational disparities. Literary issues are not limited to areas where book deserts are prevalent. Only 8% of Households actually promote healthy literacy development. This percentage comes from the National Center of Education Progress Data Analysis of the National Report Card. According to Unite Books, homes that promote healthy literacy have 100+ books in the home and practice daily reading.
The Bigger Picture
The Radical Street Librarian has already made Book Vending Machines come to fruition in Baltimore. More can be done. Vending Machines and Pop Up Free Book Fairs are still stationary ways to reach her community literacy goal. Araba Maze is currently raising money for a Book Truck. A vehicle fitted and dedicated to books is a more efficient way to pop-up in book deserts. Also, she’s seeking more books for adolescent readers.
Teens Like To Read Too
It’s not like healthy reading habits are impossible to instill in older children. There’s just an assumption that a love of reading is difficult to foster with teens. That’s not true. If anything “Book to Movie” franchise debunk that myth. Many films like Harry Potter, Twilight, Hunger Games, and Divergent initially do well because of their literary fan base. Contrary to popular belief, adolescence starts around 10 to 12 years old. This age bracket shouldn’t stop people from encouraging preteens to build healthy reading habits.
How Can You Help?
Thanks to this day and age, you don’t have to live/be from Baltimore to help. The Radical Street Librarian has Venmo, Cash App, Amazon Book Wishlist, and Mailing List. If you’d like to help, check out her linktree. For more information, Araba Maze can be contacted at storybookmazemail@gmail.com. Thank you for stopping by for Trisha’s Go In Fridays. Have a great weekend. Don’t forget to get your weekly dose of Motivational Mondays with Trisha!
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