Making Reading Materials More Accessible in Houston
The city of Houston is home to a unique bookstore called Book Cycle, where used books are given away for free. Located in the East End, this 100 percent free used bookstore has no catch, allowing visitors to browse the shelves, pick out their desired books, and take them home without any obligation to return them or pay any fees.
The Concept of Literacy Deserts
Book Cycle’s founder, Sara Loperena, is one of many Houston-area bibliophiles working to make reading materials more accessible in the city’s literacy deserts. The concept of literacy deserts is not as well-defined as food deserts, but it refers to areas where there is a lack of access to reading materials, libraries, and bookstores. According to Unite for Literacy, a nonprofit organization, 100 books per home is the tipping point for determining a child’s academic success.
The Impact of Literacy Deserts on Houston
Houston, with the exception of a few affluent neighborhoods, qualifies as a literacy desert. The lack of access to reading materials can have a significant impact on a child’s academic success and can even affect the local economy. The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation estimates that over one million Harris County adults, or one out of every three adult residents, meet the criteria for functional illiteracy. This can cost the local economy $13 billion and the US $225 billion a year in lost workforce productivity, crime, and loss of tax revenue.
Addressing Literacy Deserts in Houston
Book Cycle and other organizations, such as Class Bookstore, are working to address the issue of literacy deserts in Houston. Class Bookstore offers a shelf full of free used books and tailors its hours to make sure people can still stop in after work. The store’s owners, Dara and David Landry, understand that price can be a major barrier to book ownership and are working to make reading materials more accessible.
Birthday Bash Box: Bringing Books to Under-Resourced Families
Birthday Bash Box is another organization working to bring books to under-resourced families. The organization celebrates the birthdays of children in these families by providing them with a box of gifts, including books on topics they enjoy. The founder and CEO, Seante M. Johnson, believes that literacy is the foundation for life and is working to provide books to children who may not have access to them otherwise.
Expanding Access to Reading Materials
Book Cycle’s founder, Sara Loperena, is encouraging others to take her idea and open free used bookstores or traveling carts in their own neighborhoods. Plans are also underway to partner with local tutoring centers and other educational organizations to bring books to the community. As the number of books per household grows, the benefits of a literate populace will continue to scale, and there will be plenty of room for more initiatives like Book Cycle, Birthday Bash Box, and Class Bookstore.
Conclusion
In conclusion, literacy deserts are a significant issue in Houston, and organizations like Book Cycle, Class Bookstore, and Birthday Bash Box are working to address this issue. By providing free access to reading materials, these organizations are helping to make reading more accessible and promoting a holistic approach to closing the literacy gap. As the city continues to grow and develop, it is essential to prioritize literacy and provide access to reading materials for all members of the community. With the help of these organizations and others like them, Houston can work towards becoming a more literate and equitable city.
