The Atlas Obscura Podcast The Biblioburro
Jun 24, 2025
In rural Colombia, a dedicated educator rides with donkeys to deliver books to remote communities. This heartwarming initiative, known as Biblioburro, fosters a love for reading among children. The journey showcases the librarian's resilience after a life-changing accident, turning personal challenges into inspiration. The impact stretches beyond literacy, sparking creativity among young authors and deepening community connections. Join the adventure of pushing past adversity to celebrate stories and learning in the most unexpected places.
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Nature Shapes Learning Approach
- Growing up in La Gloria taught Luis things a city kid would never know, like bird sounds and seasonal patterns.
- This deep connection to nature influenced his unique approach to education and community service.
Bringing Books to Students
- Luis noticed his students in rural Colombia struggled because they lacked access to books.
- To solve this, he took books directly to them using donkeys, ensuring children could read and complete homework.
Origin of Biblio Burro
- Luis Soriano started the Biblio Burro when he realized carrying 70 heavy books to his students was impractical.
- He placed books on donkeys Alfa and Beto, creating a mobile library he called Biblio Burro.
