A former teacher in Italy takes his love of books to the streets – in a very cool car:
Antonio La Cava, a retired Italian schoolteacher, decided that after 42 years of teaching, he could do even more to spread the love of reading to children. So in 2003, he bought a used Ape motorbike and modified it to create a portable library that houses 700 books.
Each week, he travels to the villages of Italy’s southern Basilicata region, the sound of an organ announcing the Bibliomotocarro’s arrival. When they hear the song, children flock to the mobile library with an enthusiasm usually reserved for the appearance of an ice cream truck. La Cava’s 8-stop route takes him over 500 kilometers each trip, which he does entirely for free.
In an interview last year, La Cava explained that his experience in the school system left him feeling there was a better way to teach children to love books, saying, “A disinterest in reading often starts in schools where the technique is taught, but it’s not being accompanied by love. Reading should be a pleasure, not a duty.”
More photos at Il Bibliomotocarro…
It’s Monday…feel better now?
[h/t to Library Journal for the lead-in to the story…]
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January 3, 2015 at 4:03 am
Rosa de los Vientos
I wish math teachers would also think this way. In fact, just any teacher. You have to put soul in what you do, but especially in what you teach. Beautiful person. I’m very lucky to have had a lot of passionate teachers when I was growing up (in Amsterdam).
January 4, 2015 at 6:38 am
lazarusdodge
Yep – there is the luck of the draw. I think the good ones stand out though – those are the ones I remember at least. Unfortunately, most of the lessons they taught me didn’t take hold until many years later… 🙂
BTW – I did have a wonderful math teacher. Just one that I remember in high school. Thinking about it, she was always excited about math and what puzzles could be solved. Challenged me always – and sometimes she wasn’t aware of it. I was just one of a larger pack. But she just so enjoyed her work – and I enjoyed being there to take part of it…