Home » Newspaper Boxes Become Libraries in Trenton

Newspaper Boxes Become Libraries in Trenton

by Mary Galioto

Trenton Downtown Association, Classics Bookstore, and Trenton 365 are are partnering to bring better access to books to Trenton area residents by repurposing newspaper boxes into book give-away stations. These remote book “libraries” will be placed throughout Trenton for adults and children to take or exchange books.

Trenton Downtown Association supplied the newspaper boxes, Classics Bookstore will supply used books, and Trenton 365 has provided concept, implementation and overall project management. The project is funded by a grant from the “I Am Trenton” Community Foundation

Classics Bookstore has been giving thousands of books away to Trenton kids and selling inexpensive books to Trenton adults for years from their bookstore in downtown Trenton at 4 West Lafayette. Classics owner, Eric Maywar, shared his excitement about partnering with organizations to build and host permanent book give-away stations.

“Studies show that the more books a student has in their home, the better they do in school-and the longer they stay in school,” said Maywar. “Getting more books into homes is something we can do, while the school district struggles with bigger problems of ciriculum and budgets.”

Trenton 365 founder, Jacque Howard, explained that this project is an “adoption model” meaning that individuals, businesses or organizations will initially receive the repurposed newspaper boxes for free along with a load of used books supplied by Classics Bookstore. The adopters will commit to manage the boxes and surrounding area.

Currently Trenton Social, Home Things 4 U, Championship Bar & Grill and Franklin Parks NE Block Association, all of Trenton are the first adopters.

“This is a group effort and shows the ability WE have when we think inclusively for the betterment of the community,” said Howard.

 

 

 

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