Houston Non-Profit Works to Address ‘Book Famine’ in Malawi

A Houston-based non-profit called the Good Steward Global Initiative is working to build libraries in areas of the African nation of Malawi experiencing what the initiative calls "book famines." This effort comes on the heels of recent devastating floods displacing hundreds of thousands in the country.

While we all tend to respond to damage caused by natural disasters with food, clothing and other emergency assistance, GSGI is focused on making sure folks in Malawi have the books they need.

We discuss the concept of "book famine" – where it tends to occur and why, and how establishing libraries in communities worldwide that need them can make a meaningful difference. We also explore whether such efforts are harder to build interest around as fewer people in connected communities hold and read physical books on a regular basis.

We welcome your questions for David Salako, Project Coordinator for the Malawi Libraries Project for the Good Steward Global Initiative.