A NEW STORY
Newspaper boxes transformed for free books, food
HARTFORD — While some people may think of a newspaper vending machine with nostalgia, MakerspaceCT has a whole new use for the old metal boxes: refurbishing them to create mini libraries and food pantries for a Hartford neighborhood.
MakerspaceCT, a community workshop and skills development center on Main Street, partnered with the Free Center, which provides access to space and support for organizing and programs in the old the Goodwin Library at 460 New Britain Ave, on the project.
“Like any other project that comes through here, there was no hesitation in my staff to step up and help out,” said Mark Colbert, chief operations officer for MakerspaceCT. “It’s a feel-good project and everyone that works here understands the value,” Colbert added.
The old newspaper honor boxes were transformed into “read and feed centers” and placed in front of the Free Center, where non-perishable food items and gently used books are available for anyone in need.
“The concept for the little free library and the little free food pantry is about community trust and community contributions,’’ said Zoe Chatfield, director of the Free Center.
This initiative is supported by the City of Hartford with a “Love Your Block” grant, which helped the Free Center purchase and revamp the boxes, while MakerspaceCT members were hands-on with construction and installation. In just three days, two newspaper boxes were painted and delivered to the Free Center. Without financial support from the city, the idea would’ve never been brought to life, Chatfield said.
“Trying to get funding for a little project like this can be a challenge sometimes because it might not necessarily fit into a specific type of grant that a foundation may be looking to fund,’’ she said.
The mission of MakerspaceCT is to ‘’positively impact lives by enabling access, innovation and education.’’ Through workshops and skills development training, MakerspaceCT provides residents with opportunities to obtain new skills, beneficial to themselves and the communities they serve. “This is one, small piece of what we can do to help the community and help a place like the Free Center,” Colbert said.
Chatfield, along with other Free Center volunteers, plan to monitor “The Read and Feed Centers” weekly to ensure the boxes are filled with food and quality books. Chatfield has been networking and planning to expand read and feed centers in other neighborhoods, such as in Middletown. “That small amount of funding is also allowing us to use this project as a catalyst for more community engagement opportunities,” Chatfield said. “If we can just continue to find ways to just support our community and whatever way we can, that makes me feel good.”
The black newspaper boxes can be found in front of the Free Center building, for anyone in need and for anyone looking to donate. All donations can be made by simply opening the newly constructed doors to the boxes and dropping items inside; this goes for anyone looking to help themselves to items as well.
“Our mission is to always invest in opportunities for community members to lead and to collaborate and partner with other individuals and organizations around the city,” Chatfield said. “If anybody wants to stop by today, tomorrow, any time before or after our drive and leave a can of soup or leave a box of pasta or leave a book that’s in good condition, they can do that at any time.’’