Book swap sustains literature in our communities

To the Editor:
Nov. 15, 2012, was my first America Recycles Day event. A free community book swap was offered and the community responded! More than 400 books were dropped off, swapped, reused or recycled at the PPL Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center. Four years, fifteen thousand books, thirty organizations, countless boxes and volunteers later, I’m proud to continue offering this event in my position at Lacawac Sanctuary and Field Station in partnership with the Wayne County Conservation District.

With a focus on sustainability, this swap was born out of one goal: reuse books. The purpose of the book swap has grown to be multifaceted. Our book swap meets an economic need (and just one month before Christmas!). Together, we get quality reading material into the hands of children and adults for no cost. Children’s books, curriculum materials, adult and young adult novels, cookbooks, bibles, textbooks and magazines are just some of the past items donated. Donations are dropped off, sorted and browsed by others to take what they can use. The environmental focus of the event is to get books into usable situations, or to recycle tattered and damaged books.

Consider the impact of this event! By providing people with a place to bring their beloved books, they positively impact the lives of others in their community. We invite anyone, any group, any organization with a need or desire for books to come and take what is dropped off. Enjoy sharing stories and tales with your neighbors. Unwanted books are donated to the Wayne County Christmas Bureau (to support our local neighbor) and Better World Books (to support global literacy efforts).

Here’s a list of groups that have taken advantage of this opportunity in past years:

Himalayan Institute to support their global library efforts

Delaware Highland’s Conservancy for their Eagle Institute

Wallenpaupack Art Club for creating 3-dimensional art

Wayne County Correctional Facility to build upon their library

Countless local families for their home libraries!

The 2015 event is being held at Wayne County’s Park St. Complex caféteria, located at 648 Park St. in Honesdale on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All drop offs need to be counted, as we report our collection totals to America Recycles Day online. Mark each box quantity on the lid. We’ll also have volunteers at the door to assist with counting books coming in and going out. Drop-offs are preferred on Friday, Nov. 20 and Saturday, Nov. 21.

There have been many antiquated, cloth-bound or, otherwise, potentially collectable type books dropped off. Teacher resources, self-help and other various topics are often represented. Libraries, non-profits, artists, home school groups, daycare centers and any other group in need or desire of books are encouraged to come and take what they can use.

Jenna Mauder, Naturalist
Lacawac Sanctuary

Lake Ariel
For questions or to volunteer, call Jenna Mauder at 570-689-9494 or email educator@lacawac.org.