BARTOW, Fla. — Michael Boire wants to “find homes” for thousands of free school books at his vast warehouse of knowledge.
He gives away textbooks, novels and vinyl records to anyone who wants them: parents, students or teachers.
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The Polk County Schools employee is in charge of collecting old textbooks and related out-of-date supplies from 160 schools across the Tampa Bay area.
Instead of trashing them, Boire hauls his loot to a beautifully messy warehouse in Bartow.
Boxes are everywhere. Even more stuff is always on the way.
“We call this place Cracker Jacks,” says Boire. “You never know what you’re going to find in each box.”
On a recent Tuesday, a retired teacher packed her car with textbooks for a local school that needed a boost.
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Need some extra help with math, literature or social studies? There are books there that can help.
Want to brush up on languages? Or just revisit your high-school years? That will work too.
The warehouse is located at 1289 E Van Fleet Drive in Bartow. It is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Take as much as you want. Everything is free.
