Laundromat Libraries

“Every time I walk past a laundromat,” Cam told me, “they are filled with families. I see little kids playing on phones or trying to keep themselves entertained. I just wanted to help.” 

So Cam came up with a brilliant idea: Laundromat Libraries. Cam leaves books in the laundromats near his home in Melrose and near his school in Dorchester. He evaluated his audience before jumping in, and committed to leaving books written in several languages and for a variety of ages. “My intent is to let people look through the books and take them —  keep them if they want — or else just read through them while waiting for laundry to finish.” 

Cam was a voracious reader as a child and continues to love reading. He feels that the time he spent with his nose buried in a book was foundational in making him the person he is today. And although he’s barely half way through high school, Cam is a wise soul, a kind soul, eager to share his love of reading with others. “For my first run, I just put a bunch of books in each laundromat. Then I gauged which ones people wanted. I was surprised to see the Young Adult books were taken at the same frequency as books for younger children. I wonder if that means some adults were interested in books I left. It is a fun mystery to think about.” 

Cam’s been stocking his Laundromat Libraries for over two months now. He leaves 47 books in each laundromat and adjusts his supply — and the languages represented — based upon the interest of his audience. “I put a sign above the selection of books, encouraging readers to keep the books and share them with their friends and family. I think everyone should have the opportunity to own books that they like and it is fun to replenish the stock with different ones, too. Maybe kids will see the trip to the laundromat as a fun experience.” 

One of the best things about Cam is the stealth with which he operates. We can only imagine the pride he must feel when he walks past one of his operations, glances in the window, and sees little versions of himself, noses buried in books. There is something so nice about sharing a story and Cam’s patrons get to do that, too.

I asked Cam how it feels to see a depleted library just weeks after stocking. “It’s pretty amazing, actually,” he said. “I feel like I am helping people get better at reading and to learn to love reading. For me, I’m paying it forward and helping out in an easy way.” 

Melrose Rotary believes in Cam, too, and gave him a small grant to honor his Laundromat Libraries. “I was so surprised when they answered my email and gave me a great opportunity to keep the effort growing. I’d like to add libraries in other communities, like Saugus and Wakefield. More books in more laundromats will be great.” 

As Cam’s libraries grow, the impact on our community — and beyond — grows right along with them. Although his mission is simply to share books and celebrate reading, it is Cam’s kindness that jumps from the page and takes on a life of its own.

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