In May 2000, Jane Mirandette found herself in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, semi-retired and owning a bed and breakfast hotel. She realized quickly that there were no children with books in their hands. [...] Fast-forward to November, 2015. The San Juan del Sur Biblioteca, which is supported by donations, was about to celebrate its 14th anniversary.

For more than 2 million rural villagers across South Asia, libraries provide powerful ways to learn skills, network with other women, and become agents of change. For more than 2 million rural villagers across South Asia, libraries called "READ Centers" have already become a powerful platform for women like Chuna to learn skills, network in her community, and become leaders who change social norms.