Bloomfield students and community members were excited to be able to take home some new-to-them books thanks to a book swap organized by the Bloomfield Education Association.
Bloomfield families now have many new-to-them books to read thanks to a great idea by teacher Jen Coleman. Coleman and other Bloomfield educators organized the first annual Bloomfield Education Association (BEA) Community Book Swap to rave reviews.
Over 100 families came and swapped a wide variety of books, from picture books to adult literature. Parent Carla Ladson said, “I think this is an excellent idea. Books stores can be expensive, library late fees can add up and my kids love to read.”
Families that didn’t have books to contribute participated by bringing canned goods to swap for a book. All the canned goods were then donated to the Bloomfield Food Bank.
Bloomfield High School teacher Amanda Powell said, “This is awesome. It’s a great way to get students and community members together to encourage reading.”
Students and families had a wide variety of books from which to choose.
Coleman came up with the idea of a book swap after attending the CEA Summer Leadership Conference last summer. Coleman felt BEA could do more to be involved in the community and decided to organize the book swap.
“I was overwhelmed by the success of the idea and the support of not only the teachers but the community at large,” she said.
Extra books were sent to Trinidad, where a Bloomfield parent has connections to organizations that serve those in need. The Bloomfield High School senior class was also involved by selling snacks and drinks, with many students earning community service hours.
BEA is looking forward to the book swap becoming an annual community event.
