Newark Gives Out 10,000 Free Books To Inspire Love Of Reading

NEWARK, NJ — An effort to empower Newark residents with the love of reading has reached an inspiring milestone: 10,000 free books.

The Mayor’s Book Club, a collaborative effort between the city and a wide range of local partners, has been giving out free literature to children and adults since it kicked off in June 2019. The offerings have been diverse, ranging from colorful books for preschoolers to more sophisticated fare for adult readers.

Although the program started out small – handing out books to middle school and high school students – it soon grew into something much larger. And not even the coronavirus could stop it, city officials say.

With schools closed for the spring and summer, and libraries limited to curb service due to the pandemic, the Mayor’s Book Club had to figure out alternate ways to get literature into the hands of eager residents.

Since mid-July, the city’s Office of Comprehensive Community Education has distributed books to residents at Newark’s Summer Fun Movie Nights and pop-up play events. Meanwhile, 110 students attending Newark’s two in-person summer school sites – First Avenue School and Thirteenth Avenue School – got a delivery of new books.

Another recent donation came from a joint effort between the Rutgers University’s Office of University-Community Partnerships and First Book, a nonprofit that provides essentials to educators serving children in need. With the cooperation of the Newark Board of Education, where the books were stored, and the city’s Departments of Public Works and Recreation, more than 300 boxes of books ended up being distributed to the community.

Other support for the program has come from the United Way of Greater Newark, the Panasonic Foundation, the Newark Public Library, Audible, the Victoria Foundation, the Newark Charter School Fund, and the Newark City of Learning Collaborative.

• See related article: United Way, Black-Owned Store In Newark Give Free Books To Kids

“Despite the challenge of COVID-19, we are working harder than ever to connect more and more city youth with great books that can educate, empower, and inspire them to achieve greatness in their own lives and the world at large,” Mayor Ras Baraka said.

“We have done so with the creativity, unity, and energy that defines Newark, and are bringing over 10,000 books to our families,” the mayor added. “A love of reading can foster a lifetime of success.”

According to Newark Chief Education Officer Antoinette Baskerville-Richardson, even in the digital age, a table full of hardcover books still catches attention.

“Wherever we go, Newark residents appreciate the books so much,” Baskerville-Richardson said. “Residents are used to going to the library, and since most learning is now remote, parents and grandparents are ecstatic to get books into the hands of their children.”

Baskerville-Richardson said the program keeps COVID-19 safety in mind.

“We practice social distancing,” Baskerville-Richardson said. “We distribute masks, and the books that residents take home come from our stockpile of untouched books.”

• See related article: Library Cards Will Empower 45000 Newark Students, Teachers
• See related article: Newark School Principal Is Also Up-And-Coming Comic Book Creator

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.