A Baltimore woman is taking books directly into neighborhoods where children may have limited access to them, using a colorful trolley as her mobile library.
Known online as Storybook Maze, Ms. Maze began the effort after a simple reading session with her nieces turned into something unexpected. Neighborhood children gathered around to listen, and when she suggested they read books at home, some told her they did not have any.
That experience led her to learn about “book deserts,” communities where finding and accessing books can be difficult.
Maze, who describes herself as a “radical street librarian,” first started giving away books from her car and reading to children in her neighborhood. She later decided a trolley could allow her to reach even more families.
The trolley now visits parks, sporting events, festivals and other community gatherings throughout Baltimore. Children can climb aboard, browse the collection and choose books to take home.
Some stops attract more than 100 young readers. Maze also takes the trolley through residential areas, where she and her team read with children and hand out books.
The collection includes children’s books as well as graphic novels, horror and other genres intended to appeal to older readers.
Maze relies on community donations and fundraising to keep the shelves stocked. Her team is also working on additional book vending machines and hopes to eventually expand the mobile library operation.
The response has reinforced Maze’s belief that children are still interested in reading when books are easy to access and presented in an engaging way.
Her goal is simple: put more books within reach of children and help make reading a regular part of their lives.
