“Walking the Old Boonton Line” live at the Newark Public Library With Wheeler Antabanez



(NEWARK, NJ) — The Newark Public Library is hosting a special event on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 with author Wheeler Antabanez to commemorate the release of his latest book, “Walking the Old Boonton Line: A Photographic Journey on the Abandoned Rails of New Jersey.”

In 2022, Wheeler took one last walk on the abandoned Erie tracks before they were ripped up in preparation for the Essex/Hudson Greenway. The drone images and video he captured on his hike from Montclair to Jersey City resulted in a book and movie about this epic local adventure. Released in October 2022 by Abandoned Books, “Walking the Old Boonton Line” is the definitive last look at this historic railroad.

On October 18, Wheeler will recreate his journey with a narrated video presentation at the main branch of the Newark Public Library, 5 Washington Street, Newark, New Jersey. Audience members will be transported along the abandoned tracks of the Old Boonton Line on a guided virtual tour through the towns of Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Belleville, Newark, Kearny, Secaucus, and Jersey City, emerging from the Bergen Arches and ending up at the Hudson River Waterfront.

Wheeler’s “Walking the Old Boonton Line” tour started in January 2023 at the Jersey City Public Library and will come full circle at the Newark Public Library on October 18th. In between, Wheeler presented his guided tour at libraries and private organizations and performed three nights of sold-out shows at Silver Stream Studio in Montclair. Wheeler’s speaking tour will officially conclude at the Newark Public Library on October 18th at 6:00pm, and it will be the last chance to experience this live presentation.  After the live narrated video, Wheeler will take questions from the audience and sign copies of his new book. This presentation is free and open to the public.

With over 20 years of experience walking the fringes of literature and photography, Wheeler is best known for his Passaic River writings, contributions to Weird NJ magazine, and compelling live performances.

Newark Public Library delivers essential services and resources to everyone seeking opportunities to build a better life. Their dedicated staff bring decades of experience to serving all Newarkers. Their willingness to engage with the community ensures our residents have a voice and that their services and resources are crafted to meet their needs. Their creativity and innovation are phenomenal, and their openness and willingness to experiment allows us to move forward with new programs, events, and activities.

Facing Washington Park, the historic Newark Public Library traces its beginnings to the Newark Library Association, which was formed in 1847. Forty years later, the people of Newark approved the founding of a Free Public Library.