A Mott Haven native is bringing the magic of reading to city areas that may not necessarily have access to books.

Founded in 2019, but completed over the summer, Latanya DeVaughn's Bronx Bound Books is exactly what it looks like - a mobile bookstore, working together with anyone from local businesses to schools, to park groups, shelters, and other organizations.

DeVaughn's goal is simple: To bring books to parts of the borough that don't always have them and provide a variety of options that people don't always see.

The mobile bookstore was in Longwood Saturday to get donations during a fall book drive.

While the books are for sale at markets, DeVaughn also rents the bus out to community organizations, with anything inside free to people who come.

DeVaughn says that, so far, Bronx Bound Books has donated over 7,000 free books.

In the future, she hopes to host community events and maybe even travel to other areas.

"We go to shelters, and we partner with other community organizations to bring the book buying experience to the community," DeVaughn says. "I believe in book ownership as well as accessible books and affordable books as well. There's a huge misconception about people in the Bronx not wanting to read and I see that myth get debunked every time I'm out."

Bronx Bound Books is in Riverdale at the Sunday market every week, and will also be at the Friendly Fridge on Tuesday, Nov. 23.