Buzz
Think libraries are dull and uninspiring?
Well, it’s time to rethink. Today’s libraries offer a fascinating mix of the traditional and the futuristic. Sure, they’re still home to a wealth of books, but now many offer free Internet, downloadable media, 3-D printing, and much more.
Sadly, some regions of the world lack libraries entirely. People in these places have limited access to books, and forget about any technological perks. So, what happens if you’re a book lover stuck in Burundi or out on the vast plains of Mongolia?
To address this issue, creative thinkers had to come up with some extraordinary solutions, and some of them will truly amaze you!
10. Elephants Delivering Books
Some of the most remarkable library heroes are truly gigantic. Elephants, renowned for their size, memory, and circus tricks, are also proving to be skilled librarians. In the mountainous regions of Omkoi, Thailand, where schools and libraries are nonexistent and literacy rates are low, the Books-by-Elephant initiative is making a difference.
Reaching these remote villages is no easy task, often requiring a trek on foot. The rainy season makes even this a challenge—but elephants are up to the task. In Thailand, elephants are already used in rice fields and the logging industry. It just took some creativity to realize that they could also carry books.
Equipped with custom-built frames on their backs, these gentle giants can transport large boxes of books, along with video equipment and satellite dishes—anything needed to bring education to the people.
Currently, 20 elephants are part of the initiative. Each team consists of two elephants, their trainers, and at least two teachers. These teams serve different areas, reaching more villagers each year with their vital educational resources.
9. Weapon Of Mass Instruction
Eccentric artist Raul Lemesoff crafted this unique weapon to combat ignorance and promote literacy in the streets of Buenos Aires. His creation, resembling a tank, is built from a refurbished 1979 Ford Falcon.
With a realistic-looking gun barrel and rotating turret, Lemesoff makes sure he draws attention wherever he goes. That’s exactly what he wants. The larger the crowd, the more free books he can distribute. His only request: Read it, and pass it along.
His friends describe him as one of those wonderfully eccentric people society needs. A poet, inventor, and artist, Lemesoff loves to blend these talents in creative ways. When he first began working on his weapon of mass instruction, no one knew exactly what he was building. Was it a spaceship, a submarine, or just a car in repair? The final outcome was an unexpected delight.
With space for 900 books, Lemesoff can reach many readers, but his main focus is on the youth. He believes that a young reader will grow into a lifelong one. “I don’t do this for wealth or recognition,” he said. “I do it because it’s enjoyable. I bombard people with knowledge, but in a kind and humorous way.”
When Lemesoff’s weapon of mass instruction appears, the surprised and ultimately joyful expressions make his day. “The weapon of mass instruction is a peace tank,” he said, “a symbol of protest against actual weapons of mass destruction.”
8. Biblioburros
“Bibliomu-u-u-u-las,” the children yell as the four-legged library draws near. The mules snort and stomp. Though they can be a bit grumpy, they appear to take pleasure in their task of spreading the love of reading.
Donkeys have traditionally been used as pack animals, but now they have a unique task—delivering books to the remote mountain regions of Venezuela. Supported by the University of Momboy, an institution renowned for its community efforts, the biblioburros have made a significant impact on the lives of numerous villagers. These communities are located in the rugged Andes Mountains, and reaching their homes involves a tough ascent.
The adventure begins in the Valley of Momboy in Trujillo, where the mules are loaded with books. For the next two hours, dedicated volunteers climb uneven trails under the blazing sun.
Photojournalist James Ingham commented, “These may only be the foothills of the Andes, but they feel plenty high when you're walking.”
Volunteers report that the beaming faces of the children make all the effort worthwhile. In addition to delivering books, the university hopes to offer Internet service. Their ambitious plan to install wireless modems beneath banana trees might sound outlandish, but once upon a time, the idea of biblioburros seemed just as far-fetched.
“Cybermu-u-u-u-las!” Why not?
7. The Levinski Garden Library
The Levinski library is situated near the central bus station in Tel Aviv, within a community largely made up of refugees and migrant workers. Many of these individuals are not legal citizens, yet the passion for reading bridges the gap between their social status and the world of books.
This is a humble library—there are no walls, just two shelves set up along the side of a public shelter. Despite its simplicity, it serves as a place of knowledge and safety, a designated refuge where no one is permitted to question or intimidate others.
With a collection of 3,500 books in 15 different languages—from Mandarin Chinese to Amharic, and Romanian—this outdoor library is equipped with a canopy that extends to shield the books from the weather. There’s a tall shelf for adults and a cozy reading area for children, complete with foldable panels for seating. The facility is also illuminated, allowing visitors to peruse books even after a long day’s work.
The most remarkable feature of this library is its unique filing system. Forget the Dewey Decimal System—here, books are categorized based on the emotions they stir in their readers.
Each book includes a file card where readers record their feelings about it. While one person might find it suspenseful, another may perceive it as comforting or uplifting. This unconventional method adds a layer of intrigue to the collection, making each book even more fascinating for those who visit the library.
Librarians involved in the Levinski project emphasize the importance of providing people with a space where they can momentarily escape the harshness of their daily lives. After all, as everyone knows, a good book can be the perfect escape.
6. Human Library Living Books
Have you ever visited a Human Library? It’s a place where you can check out living books—real people with fascinating stories to tell. Readers borrow these living books for 30 minutes, and during that time, magic unfolds. At a Human Library, you can meet people from all walks of life, including a former stripper, an LGBTQ activist, or a journalist who was forced to flee their country.
The concept of the Living Books festival was born in Denmark in 1993. With an influx of immigrants, the social fabric had been stretched thin, and the new and old community members weren’t exactly getting along. The first Human Library was an effort to bring people together, allow them to sit down as neighbors, and break down barriers. It was a resounding success, and the idea of the Human Library quickly spread.
“This type of library offers people a rare opportunity to speak with someone they might never otherwise meet,” said the Imam of an Islamic society. “When you bring people from opposite ends of the social and political spectrum into a space free of judgment, a lot of positive things can happen.”
Human Library events are often hosted by library systems and community outreach programs. The main goal is to encourage conversation and, more importantly, foster a culture of listening to each other.
The mantra of the Human Library? Don’t judge a book by its cover.
5. Vending Libraries
It’s 3:00 AM and sleep eludes you. If only there were a book within reach. With library vending machines, you can jump in your car at any hour and grab a book. These self-service libraries, akin to Red Box DVD dispensers, are becoming more popular. They offer reading materials to people who might not have access to traditional libraries, and they offer other benefits as well.
Vending libraries are appearing in places with high foot traffic, such as park-and-ride lots, hospitals, and shopping centers. They can even be found on busy street corners. Are you stuck at the airport with a long layover? Grab a book from the vending machine. Need something to read but can’t make it to a regular library? Check out a book from the vending machine in the grocery store parking lot.
There are both pros and cons to this new technology. On the negative side, vending machines typically offer limited selections and must be regularly checked to ensure they’re stocked. Additionally, some believe that with the rise of downloadable options, vending libraries may become obsolete.
On the bright side, vending libraries are far less expensive than traditional brick-and-mortar locations. They are portable and can reach populations in remote areas. Additionally, many of these machines offer Wi-Fi hotspots.
In the first year after Contra Costa, California, introduced their book vending machines, library circulation saw an 8 percent increase, which amounts to 600,000 more books being checked out. The bottom line is that vending libraries help get books into the hands of more people.
4. Reading Club 2000
In 2000, Hernando “Nanie” Guanlao faced the loss of both his parents. In his grief, he wanted to honor their memory, and it dawned on him that the greatest gift they had given him was his love for reading. As a tribute to them, he made a commitment to share this love with his community by founding a library.
At that time, he had a collection of around 100 books and wondered how he could share them with his less fortunate neighbors. To start, he placed the books outside with a sign stating that they were available for public use. He had no idea what the response would be—would the books be taken? Would anyone even notice his modest library?
They did.
The books quickly vanished and then came back, accompanied by donations of additional books. Since then, his collection has grown. Guanlao now owns 2,000 to 3,000 books and has become a connector of sorts, donating books to other libraries in need when his own collection becomes too large.
In this library, there are no memberships, no due dates, and no late fees. If you’re attached to a book, you’re welcome to keep it. The Reading Club 2000 now offers everything from magazines and romance novels to philosophy texts. Every day, a steady stream of people leave with a fresh book.
3. Micro Libraries— Build Your Own
Are you a fan of libraries? You can now own one yourself, just like 75,000 others across 88 countries around the globe. This simplified version of Andrew Carnegie’s original vision is experiencing rapid growth.
Some of these compact libraries are created for fun by book lovers eager to share their passion for literature. Others fulfill an essential role in underserved urban areas and remote regions.
In 2009, Todd Bol from Hudson, Wisconsin, discovered a small library in Portland, Oregon, and decided to create his own version. Designed to resemble a schoolhouse, the box was stocked with books and placed on his front lawn in memory of his late mother. He soon went on to set up more libraries around the city, and thus the Little Free Library movement was born.
Today, when people register their miniature libraries on the Little Free Library website, they’re marked on a global map. The site also provides detailed instructions on how to run your library. If you're not into DIY, you can even purchase preassembled boxes, complete with Little Free Library signs.
If you'd prefer to go solo, take the leap! Just fill a box with books, place it somewhere public, and start spreading the joy of reading to the world.
2. Camelback Library
"The walls of this reading space are formed by mountains draped in forests, the ceiling is the endless blue sky, the floor is a steppe adorned with flowers, and the sun itself serves as the reading light," said Jambyn Dashdondog, owner of the Camelback Library in Mongolia.
Over two decades, he traversed 80,000 kilometers (50,000 miles) through relentless rain and blistering sun. His team consisted of his wife and son, and his means of transportation were camels, oxcarts, and a beloved van.
In the early 1990s, Mongolia transitioned away from communism, and with that shift, the government lost its funding for libraries. Books and literature were no longer seen as a lucrative business, and in the newly established free-market economy, private investors were few and far between.
An acclaimed author, Dashdondog was deeply troubled by the idea of a society devoid of libraries. Determined to make a difference, he took it upon himself to bring books directly to children when there was no place for them to find them.
When the library camel arrived in a village, Dashdondog would stay for a few days, giving the villagers ample time to read. Afterward, everything would be packed up and moved to the next location where eager children were eagerly waiting for their turn.
The Camelback Library and Dashdondog’s other educational projects were financed through the proceeds from his own books and poems, some of which were even adapted into films and songs. Sadly, Dashdondog passed away in 2017, but his legacy will endure, especially in the hearts of the children he served.
1. Floating Books In The Fjords
If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of dropping your book into a bathtub, you know that water and books generally don't mix. But there's an exception. A remarkable book boat named the Epos sails through the rugged fjords of Norway, illuminating minds and spreading knowledge during the long, dark winter months.
The Epos is a 24-meter (80 ft) cutter that’s been transformed to house 6,000 books, along with a kitchen and sleeping quarters for its crew. This book boat operates from September to April, making two voyages each year. During its travels, it stops at 150 remote coastal villages that are not easily accessible by conventional means.
The Norwegian winters are unforgiving, marked by long, dark days and fierce blizzards. When the weather turns especially harsh, the book boat has to seek shelter in a safe harbor. However, this is rare, and there is always great disappointment if the boat cannot make it to its destination. One essential requirement for the crew is the ability to handle seasickness.
The book boat follows a rigid schedule, arriving on time and staying for two hours at each stop, where it serves up to 150 visitors. According to librarian Joep Aarts, children and the elderly are among the most enthusiastic borrowers. In addition to lending books, the boat leaves a large collection behind for people to enjoy until its next visit.
The Norwegian government strives to make library services accessible to all, free of charge. The Epos plays a key role in making this possible.
