My dissertation research explores the “democratization of literature” by Chilean cartoneras. They are independent publishing houses that handcraft book covers from repurposed, upcycled cardboard while using digital technology to print pages en masse. Thanks to a CLACLS Summer Travel Fellowship I carried out archival research at local libraries, recorded interviews, and established networks with cartoneras that are dedicated to helping people currently or formerly incarcerated publish their work. The data I collected expanded my broader dissertation project on how- through the transformation of cardboard from trash into a commodified artistic literary product- cartoneras intervene in public debates on the right to literacy, the right to the city and civic participation.