South Valley teen wins Disney Be Inspired Grant

TULARE, Calif. (KFSN) -- In Tulare, 13-year-old, Annaileen Desantiago, is spreading the magic of storytelling one book at a time.

The 8th grader at Live Oak middle school plays volleyball, basketball and is active in her church youth group but she says her favorite hobby is reading.

Through her new program, The Book Bin, the teen is making sure students have the opportunity to share her passion.

"It's just like heartwarming that you get to like kids are actually using it and it's not just there, people are actually getting books," Desantiago said. "I came up with the idea because when I was little I didn't really like going to the library because I would always lose my library card."

Now, you can pick up a book after grocery shopping from one of the book bins in front of Food Co, Food Depot and R & N Market at no charge -- just look for the sign.

Annaileen even got the attention of ABC30's parent company, Disney. She was awarded a $500 Be Inspired grant and she did not spend that money on herself, in fact, she spent it on new books and signage for two other locations.

In addition to the grant, the community is doing their part by stocking her shelves. Desantiago now has a warehouse that will keep the book bins stocked though summer.