My story

Living in a small NYC apartment with two young avid readers, I often found myself surrounded by bags of books, unsure what to do with them once they’d been read. I soon realized that many other families faced the same challenge - shelves overflowing with stories that still had plenty of life left in them. That’s what sparked the idea of Books Beyond Shelves.

I wanted to create a simple, sustainable system of exchanging books - one where children take the lead. By choosing and swapping their own books, they build a lasting love of reading while learning the value of sharing and reuse.

My deep passion for education and literacy has guided every step of this journey. Having worked and volunteered for non-profit organizations that promote access to books and education for all children, I continue to partner with them to distribute remaining books after each swap - ensuring that every story finds a new reader.

Through Books Beyond Shelves, I hope to inspire a love of reading, strengthen communities, and show that small actions — like sharing a story — can make a lasting difference for both children and the planet.