Refurbished newspaper boxes transformed

to offer free books and food for Hartford neighborhood

FROM THE HARTFORD COURANT

HARTFORD COURANT 
OCT 07, 2020

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 headquarters for the Maker Movement in Connecticut. 

Our mission is to positively impact lives by enabling access, innovation, and education.

Location: 960 Main St, Hartford, CT

Main Entrance: 36 Talcott St, Hartford CT (Get Directions)

Operating Hours:
We are operating at reduced capacity for July – Aug 2022. 

New Operating Hours (starting 7/22): Fri: 10am-9pm / Sat: 10am-6pm / Sun – Thurs: CLOSED

IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER: Check our website homepage or Facebook and Twitter for updates for possible changes to our hours of operation.

Holiday schedule:

Wed, Nov 23, 2022: Closing at 5:00 p.m.
Thu, Nov 24, 2022: CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING
Sat, Dec 24, 2022: Closing at 5:00 p.m.
Sun, Dec 25, 2022: CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS
Sat, Dec 31, 2022: Closing at 5:00 p.m.
Sun, Jan 1, 2023: CLOSED FOR NEW YEAR'S DAY

MakerspaceCT is a program of McEIVR, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

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