INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (August 27, 2015) – Book-sharing stations are popping up all over Indianapolis starting Thursday. The project is called “The Public Collection” and it aims to improve literacy and create a deeper appreciation of the arts among residents.
The nine book-sharing stations, each designed by Indiana artists, will be placed at different locations including Monument Circle and City Market. A varied selection of books will be featured at each station to encourage people of all ages to read.
Rachel Simon is the creator of the Public Collection. She said she hopes the book sharing stations get people talking about educational justice and equality.
“Anyone can walk up to this and grab a book, there are no barriers, there’s nothing in the way,” Simon said. “It doesn’t matter what your background is, your class, your status, your race, everybody can get a book.”
One of the book-sharing station is prominently displayed at the Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center. Phil O’Malley designed colorful question marks to hold dozens of books.
“What we chose to do is turn it into a way to get folks really excited about walking up and just taking something home to read, kids going to grab something to read,” O’Malley said. “They’re painted in the style of the old-fashioned wooden blocks where they go together, just so it’s more inviting and interesting to walk up to and examine.”
Here are the locations for the book-sharing stations:
The Indianapolis Museum of Art
White River State Park
Eskenazi Health
Monument Circle
Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center
Horizon House
Indianapolis City Market
Southeast Corridor of the Cultural Trail
