#LBOT or Library Boxes of Trenton has been a rewarding project for me. As with most of what I do it includes several partners, lots of moving parts and of course civic engagement.
The #LBOT located at the Bethany House of Hospitality continues to warm my heart. Recently I dropped off ~50 books picked up from #ChampsTrenton and a few dozen magazines from Magazine Literacy.Org
This location moves a lot of reading materials. The residents who are committed adopters of this #LBOT shared with me that it is used all the time. They have even expanded to place give away items in good condition near the #LBOT and they are taken as well!
The location is a good one; along a NJ Transit Bus Route, with high volumes of foot traffic, next door to an active church and across the street from a vibrant park.
Have a look at the promotional video regarding the development of the Bethany House of Hospitality - BHOH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-In-A7LOnY
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Did you know Trenton NJ has a Farm! Have a look and listen to my coverage of the Capital City Farm led by Allegra Lovejoy.
http://trenton365.blogspot.com/2016/09/capital-city-farm-trenton-nj-september.html
While out and about doing what I do I stopped by this location near the Trenton Police HQ and the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen to document this #LBOT. A few paperbacks were present so I loaded it up with Guideposts Magazines from Magazine Literacy and some romance novels from Champs.
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Biking was my freedom as a "youngster" and I want to help others have that experience. The biking culture in Trenton NJ is organic, artistic, functional and growing! From the monthly Trenton Social Ride led by Wills Kinsley, small groups led by cyclist Kevin Duddy, Bike Polo, Tall Bike Modifications and the advocacy group Trenton Cycling Revolution - TCR regularly you can see a diverse collection of people riding bikes in Trenton.
In preparation for the annual Bike Tour of Trenton a small group came together to start the process for the route creation. This took us to Trenton Coffeehouse and Roaster owned and operated by Abdul Qadir. During this visit I checked in on the #LBOT adopted by Abdul and created by Arizona Perron. This #LBOT had a few offerings and appears to be doing just fine.
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In addition to the BHOH, the Capital City Farm and Trenton Coffeehouse and Roaster locations I have received a few calls from others who want to Adopt a #LBOT one of them is Ida Malloy.
Ida who is very civically active contacted me about her "Backyard Book Club" which meets weekly and offers reading materials to the neighborhood children. Ida received over 200 copies of Highlights Magazine to share and I expect she will need more!
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Each Monday night at Champs Trenton, 931 Chambers St., #LBOT Artist Lori Johansson hosts "Art Chill Night" and on July 24th the theme will be literacy! Join us as we create art inspired by literacy, sort and package books and magazines that will be delivered throughout the area.
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In closing think about how you can be a part of this effort with your time, talent and treasures!
If you Adopted a #LBOT, we need to hear from you about your experiences so we can support your efforts!
