Fighting Literary Drought: Baltimore’s Book Champion Distributes 7,000+ Volumes to Youth

In the heart of Baltimore City, where ‘book deserts’ reign supreme, one woman is making waves in the literary landscape. Meet Araba Maze, a self-proclaimed “radical street librarian” who’s on a mission to flood these arid zones with reading materials.

Maze’s journey began innocently enough on her front stoop, reading to her nieces. When neighborhood children gathered and expressed a lack of books at home, it sparked an idea that would change countless young lives.

Armed with a bachelor’s degree in English from Bowie State University, Maze initially thought becoming a librarian would solve the problem of book access. However, she quickly realized that many children weren’t reaching the library. So, she decided to bring the library to them.

Her innovative approach includes pop-up events and a unique book vending machine. Through social media fundraising, Maze installed this street-side book dispenser in 2023, resulting in over 7,000 books finding their way into young hands.

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“We focus on high-traffic areas in Black neighborhoods,” Maze explains. “We use data to identify areas where children are estimated to have between zero and ten books at home.”

But Maze’s work goes beyond mere distribution. She carefully curates books that resonate with the community, featuring Black characters and relatable storylines. “When kids see themselves in books, they’re more eager to read,” she notes.

The impact of reading on youth development is well-documented. Pamela Maslin Sullivan, a professor at James Madison University, emphasizes that avid readers tend to perform better across all learning areas. Nancy Davidson, a veteran librarian, adds that contemporary fiction promotes empathy and emotional growth.

Maze’s efforts are particularly crucial given the alarming literacy rates in the United States. Recent statistics reveal that 54% of adults have literacy below a 6th-grade level, with 20% below 5th-grade level.

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“I’m not just battling book access; I’m battling the book experience,” Maze explains. She aims to transform reading from a stressful, mandatory activity into a pleasurable experience.

Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Maze received a $15,000 grant from the United Way of Central Maryland’s Changemaker Challenge, funding a book vending machine at a local YMCA. She also secured a $20,000 grant from Eventbrite for her next venture: The Book Trolley.

As Maze continues her literary crusade, renting school buses and partnering with local organizations, she proves that passion-driven initiatives can indeed touch hearts and change lives. In Baltimore’s book deserts, Araba Maze is cultivating an oasis of literacy, one book at a time

Article Source: Bored Panda