Protectors of the Written Word – Launching today!

Viral Instagram Sensation 1000 Libraries is Launching a New Book Project on Kickstarter!

If you’re a book lover and have been anywhere near Instagram lately, you’ve likely encountered 1000 Libraries.

A wonderful account showcasing the most beautiful libraries and bookstores in the world. This passionate community of 1.1M bibliophiles has spread utterly contagious book love through their breathtaking photos and heartwarming tales of literary travels across the globe.

In 2023, the 1000 Libraries team put its most beautiful photos into a gorgeous coffee-table book and launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring it to life. It became one of Kickstarter’s top publishing projects of 2023 delighting the hearts of 1000s of book lovers worldwide.

Now, the brilliant minds behind 1000 Libraries are embarking on their most magical quest yet – bringing to life an extraordinary new book that celebrates the human side of those places. The unsung heroes protecting the written word in our digital age. And boy does it sound exciting!

Titled Protectors of the Written Word, this 420-page creative non-fiction book promises to whisk book lovers away on an unforgettable journey spanning continents. The destination? EVERYWHERE! This book is the result of 1000s of hours of worldwide travel and interviews to bring you the most heartwarming stories of people who have dedicated their lives to spreading the joys of books. It presents exclusive glimpses into the fascinating lives of 25 of these individuals. 

Like this man, for example. His name is Antonio La Cava. He’s a retired teacher from the rural South of Italy where bookstores and libraries are scarce. Upon retirement, he decided to turn his van into a beautiful mobile library to reach kids who don’t easily have access to books.

“I came up with the idea of the Bibliomotocarro many years ago. My intent was to ensure that  children in remote areas of our region could grow up with the magic of books in their hearts.”

Today, the Bibliomotocarro is able to bring books right into the heart of the community, inspiring children who live in villages without a library or a bookshop to cherish the magic of the written word. On average La Cava lends out around 450 books a week.

He was recently named Commendatore dell’Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana (Knight Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic) for the huge commitment that he has made throughout his life in promoting cultural values.

“I have received a lot of praise from the media. But I do not do this for showmanship or attention. Coming from humble beginnings, small things make me happy. Above all, seeing the kids’ smiles when they see the Bibliomotocarro arrive in their town is what gives me the most joy.”

This is just one of 25 stories Vincent Phan, author of Protectors of the Written Word and founder of 1000 Libraries, has collected. But he should really include his own story in it. 

Vincent was born in the 1980s in Paris. “It sounds romantic, but it was not,” he adds. Vinny, as everyone calls him, was born of 2 political refugees fleeing a devastating war in Laos. They settled in government housing in some of the most precarious parts of Paris. Because his parents were working multiple jobs to put food on the table, it was his grandfather who often raised him. As a book lover himself, he would take little Vincent to local community libraries to keep him out of trouble. 

“The Little Prince is still my favourite book to this day.”

Growing up with a mind full of wonder, he dreamed of being a writer and was praised for his writing style by his teachers. But reality dictated he chose a safe career path, so he went into the corporate world. As a young neurodivergent and introverted man, he found it difficult to assimilate into the work culture of social climbing, so he quit to become a bookseller to return to university to study philosophy and made it his life mission to inspire people to read more books in the age of digital technology. Today, he runs 1000 Libraries – a media company that focused on creating all types of media content focused on literary lifestyle. Any money they have leftover from book sales go into a newly created program that plans to build libraries in the poorest parts of the world by mobilising volunteers and organisations with aligned goals. Recently, the 1000 Libraries community built its first children’s library in Laos – one of many to come.

“Protectors of the Written Word is much more than a book, it’s a much-needed reminder of the goodness of humanity in an age of constant news of war & economic uncertainty,” he says.

But here’s where the magic intensifies. By backing their Kickstarter project, you’ll go behind the scenes on an immersive journey like no other. The 1000 Libraries team has documented everything during their travels. Monthly project updates will act as travel journal entries with eye-catching mini-documentaries that will transport you directly into the lives of these modern-day book heroes. You’ll even have a chance to vote on design elements, making this breathtaking project distinctly yours.

In pure 1000 Libraries tradition, the book looks absolutely gorgeous. Designed by famed French designer Aurélie Maron, the book cover is a mix between historic illuminated design, vintage-style leather binding & premium art-book finishing reminiscent of books from premium publishers like Taschen, Folio Society or Assouline – but at a much lower price. Their Kickstarter Launch Day offer starts at $39.50 USD (35% off retail price). After day 1, we’re looking at $50 USD (Kickstarter special price – 20% off retail price). For a book that feels like $100 USD. 

The 30-day pre-order campaign launches on the 28th of June and promises to be a huge success warming the hearts of thousands of book lovers worldwide. 

You can check it out here: 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1000libraries/1000-libraries-protectors-of-the-written-word