An SMU sophomore has created laundromat libraries in Dallas for young readers to enjoy wherever they are — even while they’re waiting for their parents to finish folding freshly laundered clothes.
SMU sophomore Ryland Adzich created a library in the Scrub-a-Dubs laundromat in East Dallas.
“Habits are built at young ages,” Adzich said. “This is a great place to start.”
Scrub-a-Dubs laundromat owner James Franey, a former college professor with his own Little Free Library at home, said the laundromat library has boosted business.
The library is an extension of an idea Adzich had as a middle school student in the San Francisco area. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she and a friend started collecting books for children, which led Adzich to create the nonprofit The Creative Destination.
The Creative Destination has since established 10 laundromat libraries in the San Francisco area.
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Now, in Dallas, Adzich works with groups, including students at the Hockaday School, that conduct book drives and raise money for bookshelves. She now maintains four Dallas-area laundromat libraries.
At SMU, Adzich is a Dedman Scholar, a Tower Scholar and founder of Womens’ Innovative Network, an organization that seeks to empower undergraduate women in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
She was awarded $1,000 to support laundromat libraries as the top winner of the fall 2024 Big Ideas competition, plus an additional $1,000 from the Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership for having the most inspirational idea at the competition.
