Building on the recent success of Free Book Days in Pennington and Hopewell, 2020 high school graduate Anna Salvatore, the events’ creator, has announced that Princeton and Lawrence’s version of the free book exchange will take place Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Organizers see the event as a way to strengthen community bonds during the coronavirus pandemic.
Anyone who lives in Princeton or Lawrence can place free books on their lawn or curb. Mercer County residents are encouraged to roam the two towns and take whichever books look interesting.
The event is free, but registration HERE is encouraged to show people which types of books will be available on different streets. (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1udi5JQUz7HXyzCEeJ5drwwzEHwYqTbK8yOzBj5BP8cA/edit)
Earlier Free Book Days saw hundreds (perhaps thousands) of books change hands, ranging from children’s picture books and literary fiction to how-to manuals and histories of the Balkans. Some families traipsed around with backpacks hoisted high atop their shoulders to find interesting books, while others volunteered lawn space for friends’ donations. If their neighborhood has low pedestrian traffic, residents are encouraged to deposit books at a more centrally located friend’s house.
Everyone is strongly urged to follow the CDC’s guidelines by wearing masks and staying six feet apart. They should also avoid touching their faces immediately after handling a new book.
If at the end of the day participants still have unwanted books, they may bring them to the Goodwill donation center at 15 NJ-31, Pennington, or 18 Arctic Parkway, Ewing.
Helpers are greatly appreciated to spread the word about Free Book Day. Please share the event’s flyer on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and NextDoor, or print and post them in visible locations.
If you would like more information, or if you are able to print, laminate, design, and/or distribute flyers, please email Anna Salvatore at anna@annasalvatore.com. Anna is a Pennington resident, and she will attend Princeton University in the Class of 2025 to study History and English.
