Laurence Copel
youth outreach librarian and founder of the Lower Ninth Ward Street Library, New Orleans
About
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Copel who moved from New York City to New Orleans in 2010 saw a need to provide age appropriate books to neighborhood youths. Known to the children in the Lower Ninth Ward as the “Book Lady,” Copel opened a library in her home through self-funding and small donations while living on $350 a week. She also converted her bicycle to a mobile book carrier allowing her to reach children and families that could not travel to her home.