My World: The Library Cart

The Library Cart begins a new series for the BBC World Service, My World, which explores the lives of extraordinary individuals.

The first programme travels to Colombia and focuses on a day in the life of Martin Murrillo, A mobile cart librarian and self-taught teacher from Cartegena.

After earning his living as a street vendor selling water, Martin decided to not only to teach himself, but to also teach others - especially street children - to read.

He swapped the water for books that people can borrow from his wooden library cart for free.

During the week he goes round schools where he talks to the children about the importance of reading and of the books he likes most.

In this colourful programme we spend the day with Martin, hearing about his work and ambitions, and talk to his customers about the special service he provides.

The president of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, recently contacted him and offered him money to change the name of his business from Literary Cart to Bolivarian Cart, after the independence leader Simon Bolivar as Chavez believes he is incarnation of Bolivar.

Martin decided to turn the offer down, even though it would have meant more money.

First broadcast Friday 8th May 2009