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NATIONWIDE - JULY 2025 - (USAnews.com) — Imagine growing up in a world without books—a world where your access to knowledge, imagination, and escape is severely limited. For many children, especially those in homeless shelters and underserved communities, this is their reality. But 17-year-old Avani (Tara) Bansal isn’t just imagining this world; she’s working tirelessly to change it, one free library at a time.
The Birth of a Movement Tara’s love for books began at a young age. Struggling with asthma as a child with limitations on outdoor playtime, reading became her refuge, offering both solace and a sense of belonging. What started as a quiet escape quickly became an academic lifeline, helping her navigate difficult times and find comfort in the pages of books. But Tara’s realization was just as profound as her personal experience: not every child had access to the same comfort and opportunity that books gave her. As a middle schooler, Tara noticed the stark divide between the resources available to children in affluent neighborhoods and those in underserved communities. This discrepancy in access to books, she saw, was a major barrier to both academic success and emotional well-being. This realization led to the birth of Everyone’s Library, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring free access to books for children and adults in homeless shelters, schools, and low-income neighborhoods across the United States. Turning a Dream Into Action In 2022, Tara embarked on her mission through her Girl Scout project, setting up her first mini-library at the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter in Northern Virginia. Her goal was simple: provide people with access to books and allow the magic of reading to unfold. Little did she know that one act of kindness would spark a nationwide movement. By April 2024, Tara had formally established Everyone’s Library as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Since then, the initiative has placed over 20 libraries in public spaces, reached more than 7000 people, donated more than 2,700 books, and raised over $24,000. What truly sets Everyone’s Library apart, however, is its focus on sustainability. Rather than purchasing new books, Tara encouraged people to donate gently used books, giving them a second life and creating ever-evolving collections. This approach benefits not only the communities it serves but also the environment, reducing waste while promoting social good.%20(1).png?alt=media&token=9cf4da09-d226-4d99-8e87-a21bb8813efe)
A National Impact: Youth Leadership at Its Core
What began as one teen’s mission has evolved into a nationwide youth-led movement. Tara’s success has inspired 21 young leaders across the country to start their own chapters, building a platform for other teens to take the lead in spreading the joy of reading. “I realized that if I could create libraries in my local area, I could teach other teens to do the same, making this a bigger movement,” Tara reflects. What started in Virginia is now a national initiative, with teens from all over the U.S. creating free libraries in their communities.
The success of Everyone’s Library has been fueled not just by Tara’s passion but also by the collaboration of educators, shelter staff, and community leaders. These individuals have welcomed the initiative into their communities, ensuring that the movement reaches those who need it most. Notable partners include Edwina Bates at the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter, Josephine Sexton at The National Center for Children and Families, Michele Hook with New Hope Housing, Denise Ziegler at Alexandria Community Shelter, Kelvin Farrell at Living Life Alternative and Megan Joe at So What Else Inc. Tara’s efforts have also been supported by extraordinary education leaders and school principals at various elementary schools such as Jesse Belarde, Ingrid Badia , Christoph Hill, Sarah Thornborough, Molly Bleich, Trisha Heyer, Laniece Carter, Carmen Bell, Monét Gilmore, Ronae Smith, Michael Coates, Amin Littman, and Dr. LaTanya Sothern.
A Shift in How We Think About Giving
At the heart of Everyone’s Library is a low-cost, sustainable model that empowers communities. Unlike traditional donation models that rely on grants or new books, Tara’s approach focuses on the power of the community to donate gently used books. These books help keep the libraries stocked, ensuring a constant influx of fresh and diverse reading material. By offering books 24/7, Tara’s libraries eliminate the barriers that often hinder access to traditional libraries, such as limited hours or the fear of lost/late fees.
Tara’s libraries are designed for everyone. From children to adults, these libraries cater to all ages, making sure that everyone, regardless of background or financial status, can find something they will enjoy. The movement's emphasis on community-led libraries ensures that they remain stocked, accessible, and ever-evolving.
A Legacy of Change and Empowerment
Tara’s vision for Everyone’s Library isn’t just about books—it’s about empowering young people to make a lasting impact in their own communities. Through her work, Tara has fostered a network of youth leaders, each responsible for their own libraries, ensuring that the movement will continue to grow and flourish.
“When you’re young, it feels hard to make a real impact,” Tara reflects. “But when you start to see the difference you can make, it’s life-changing. It inspires you to keep pushing forward.”
Tara’s work has garnered recognition at both the state and national levels. She’s been honored with prestigious awards, including the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, the Girl Scout Silver Award, and a nomination for the Virginia Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Awards. Yet, her motivation remains firmly rooted in her love for reading and her desire to share the same opportunities with others.
The Road Ahead: Expanding the Vision
Looking ahead, Tara’s plans for Everyone’s Library are clear. She aims to establish even more libraries, support more youth leaders, and ensure that every community, no matter how small or remote, has access to the resources they need to learn and grow. The success of Everyone’s Library demonstrates that even the smallest ideas can lead to transformative change. Tara’s vision serves as a model for how young people can lead meaningful change, proving that age is no barrier to making a real impact.
As Tara continues to spread her message and grow the movement, the ripple effect of her efforts will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come. Her passion and drive to make books accessible to all serve as an inspiration to everyone who believes in the power of reading and the importance of education.
Want to Learn More?
Explore the inspiring story of Everyone’s Library and discover how this movement is spreading reading access across communities. Learn how you can support local initiatives or start your own library in your neighborhood.
Stay Connected
For the latest updates and to get involved, follow Everyone’s Library on Instagram at @everyoneslibrarynonprofit.