đź“š From McLean to the Nation
One Teen’s Mission to Make Books Free for All
By Dani Banegas
For most teens, free time means hanging out with friends or relaxing. But for 17-year-old Avani “Tara” Bansal, a student at The Potomac School in McLean, it means building libraries—and not the kind you check books out of.
Tara is the founder of Everyone’s Library, a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit that installs free, 24/7-accessible outdoor mini-libraries in shelters, schools, and underserved communities across the U.S. 🌎
A Movement That Started Small ✨
What began in 2021 as a Girl Scout project at the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter has grown into a national movement. Since officially launching Everyone’s Library in 2024, Tara has:
- Installed 23+ libraries across Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland
- Donated 3,500+ books đź“–
- Raised $28,000
- Reached more than 13,000 people
Her grassroots mission has inspired a ripple effect—21 other teens across the country have launched their own Everyone’s Library chapters under her mentorship, bringing the total to 35 libraries nationwide.
How Everyone’s Library Works ♻️
Operating on an innovative, sustainable model, the nonprofit collects gently used books from community members and transforms them into permanent neighborhood fixtures.
The libraries are:
- Open day and night
- Free for all—no membership requirements or return policies
“Books open endless opportunities for us all,” Tara shares. “That’s why our libraries are open 24/7 and freely accessible—so anyone and everyone is welcome to take a book or contribute one.”
Beyond distributing books, Tara’s mission strengthens communities through the generosity of donors and the growth of readers.
Recognition & Impact 🏅
Tara’s work has earned prestigious accolades, including:
- Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award
- Girl Scout Silver Award
- Nomination for the Virginia Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Award
Fueled by educators, shelter and food bank directors, her family, and a generous, engaged community, Everyone’s Library continues to grow—inspiring more people to discover and celebrate the joy and power of books.
Get Involved
📲 Learn more or contribute at www.EveryonesLibrary.org
📸 Follow along on Instagram: @everyoneslibrarynonprofit
