CHERRY HILL, NJ — A new nonprofit book bank opened in the township on Saturday, paving the way for children, families, and educators in the area to have access to thousands of donated materials.
"BookSmiles" runs various programs, volunteer groups, early childhood literacy efforts, school book fairs, nonprofit partnerships, community events, and large-school book distribution efforts throughout the tri-state area.
The organization's flagship function, helping children eliminate barriers to accessing books, involves collecting and distributing new and gently used items through teachers, schools, childcare centers, community organizations, and other nonprofit partners.
Kids are also able to build their home libraries by dropping by the new location and going home with a fresh new world of pages to dive into.
"Propelled by the delight of owning physical books, we know that children can read their way to a better life," founder and executive director Larry Abrams told Patch. "Access to books, starting in the cradle, brightens lives and our world."
The new Cherry Hill location can be found at 100 Melrose Ave. and was chosen as a result of the Abrams family's history in the area.
Abrams's wife is from Cherry Hill, and after working and living in the township for years, he also has two children who graduated from Cherry Hill High School West.
The team saw Melrose Avenue as a perfect place to break down even more barriers to access, being just steps away from a train station that goes in and out of Philadelphia and an exit for I-295.
Founded in 2017, BookSmiles grew out of Abrams' garage into one of the region's premier literacy organizations.
A former high school English teacher in Lindenwold, he utilized space in the classroom, his synagogue's copy room, and a donated storage locker to get his vision off the ground.
"Incredible volunteers started helping me, and kids and schools started doing large book drives," said Abrams. "Deploying flip-lid painted Toter bins around town helped me collect thousands of books each month."
Learn how you can help with their mission through donations and volunteering at future events by visiting the BookSmiles website.
MORE FROM PATCH: Large Loose Turtle Roams South Jersey Streets, Police Say
HAVE A STORY IDEA OR NEWS TO SHARE? Contact Editor Eddie Callahan at edward.callahan@patch.com to connect with Patch in your area.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Cherry Hill Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.