Maddie Smith is a dynamic bookstore owner and community organizer based in Waterville, Maine. She started her entrepreneurship with The Banned Bookstore, an online independent bookstore that specialized in offering books that have been traditionally banned or challenged in schools and libraries. Her mission with this project was to promote access to diverse and thought-provoking literature, including classics like The Great Gatsby, Huckleberry Finn, and Wuthering Heights.

In addition to her online venture, Smith has expanded her presence in the literary community by acquiring and rebranding the former Children's Book Cellar in Waterville. Now known as Smitty's Book Cellar, the store has been updated to offer a broader selection of books beyond children's titles and frequently hosts community events, including a book club and collaborative events with other local businesses.

Smith is also the founder of the Maine Book Fest, now the Maine Book & Print Fest, an annual event celebrating literature, literacy, and community engagement. The festival features workshops, author readings, live podcasts, and vendor markets, with the goal of fostering a love for reading and supporting local authors and organizations.

Through her ventures, Maddie Smith has become a prominent figure in Maine's literary scene, advocating for the importance of accessible and diverse literature in both physical and digital spaces.