The Free Books Project Marks 10 Years, Eyes Nationwide Expansion

With the 10th anniversary of The Free Books Project approaching, Founder Tom Martin shows no signs of slowing down. The organization began in late 2017 when Martin noticed a need within his Camden community for greater access to literacy materials and programs for all ages, particularly youth.

Nearly a decade later, their Weekly Pop-Up Libraries, 230 Book Arks, and multiple Book Shelf Installations at partnering organizations have ensured that no Camden resident must walk more than 10 minutes for a book. The nonprofit has started its expansion into surrounding areas with 80 Book Arks built in Philadelphia, mapped on its designated Ark Map, and collaborated to bring shelves to the Kensington community. Yet, within the next 10 years, Martin hopes to go nationwide.

"There’s no reason for a group that's in Gary, Indiana, why we couldn't send them the Book Ark plans, and they build their own," Martin explains.

The Book Ark began with the idea of turning abandoned newspaper stands into something more useful than lending libraries. Program Manager Lelia Crawford shared that the Arks are now receiving their own 8-page detailed guide, expected by this year, so other communities can build their own. The effort has already taken off as Temple University built over 20 of them this past January for its MLK Day of Service, a story Martin was surprised to learn through outlets like NBC.

"We really just want to make sure that residents in every single neighborhood have access to beautiful books," Crawford says.

Their busiest season, back-to-school, has just ended, but it leads them to a new year where the team is gearing up for a limited exhibition showcasing new 12 Ark pieces from April 1-17, 2027, by local "Arkists" and even Rutgers-Camden students in collaboration with a renowned local photographer and studio owner, Eric James Montgomery. For Martin, who started with a simple desire to give out books, it’s a full-circle moment he gets to help other local community members live out their dreams and help launch dozens more. He described the project as "just a place where everyone is accepted; we can talk about books. We can talk about anything."

The organization continues to seek donations and help from what they like to call their “silent heroes”, especially books in foreign languages for its Spanish-speaking community, cookbooks, self-help titles, and works highlighting people of color.