Today, the Library Directors of the Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton libraries stocked a new bookshelf in an unusual location: the airport! The initiative is cleverly called the Airport Book Exchange (or ABE) and is a collaboration with the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority, operators of Lehigh Valley International Airport (also known ABE Airport). Here is an article about the opening of the initiative from Lehigh Valley Live. BAPL Director Josh Berk was quoted as saying “Literacy happens anywhere, and we love the idea of kids taking a book or two on the plane to experience the joy of reading while traveling.”
Unlike regular library books, these books do not have to be returned. The collection is made up of donations and includes extra copies of books that the libraries already own. It is a great mix of topics for readers of all ages.
See some pictures of the new bookshelf below, check it out when you’re at the airport, or follow the books on their adventures using the hashtag #ABEreads. (You may also get some book reviews by a guy named “Abe” but don’t worry about those.)