The History of Literature The Distance of the Moon by Italo Calvino | The African Library Project
Apr 16, 2020
Join Robyn Speed, Interim Executive Director of the African Library Project, as she shares how the organization has created over 3,000 libraries in Africa. Learn about the model that empowers U.S. volunteers to run book drives, bringing vital resources to communities. Robyn also highlights success stories of beneficiaries who become educators. The conversation then shifts to Italo Calvino’s enchanting story, "The Distance of the Moon," exploring themes of love and cosmic wonder, making it a beautiful blend of literature and philanthropy.
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Run A Complete Book Drive
- Do organize a full book drive: collect 1,000 gently used children's books and raise $500 to create a library in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Visit africanlibraryproject.org and use their "connect with us" form to get guidance and volunteer support.
How The Project Began In Lesotho
- Founder Chris Bradshaw discovered the need in Lesotho after vacation conversations revealed only one accessible library in the country.
- She promised to send books if communities built shelving, launching the African Library Project in 2005.
Community Partnerships Ensure Lasting Libraries
- The project's strength is community-to-community partnerships that ensure libraries have local ownership and sustainability.
- Donor communities in the U.S. know exactly which school received their books, creating lasting global connections.
