'The Bookworm:' Mystery Good Samaritan Gifts Literature In Lacey

LACEY, NJ — During trying times, a small act of kindness in Lacey went a long way. Melissa Grippaldi found a book laying next to her mailbox. It looked like when the Yellow Pages would leave their large phone books on doorsteps.

But then she took a closer look. Someone left a book. Its thick book mark beamed "Hello!" in large letters.

The book mark had a note from "The Bookworm." A mystery good samaritan dropped off some of his or her favorite books on neighbors' doorsteps. The Bookworm sanitized the donation and wore a mask and gloves. And this individual had one request.

"If you choose not to read the book, PLEASE DO NOT THROW THE BOOK OUT, pass it on!" the note said. "I want this to be a fun experience for everyone. Once you have read the book you may keep it or pass it on to one of your neighbors with a message of your own!"

As of now, Grippaldi knows little about The Bookworm. She posted a picture of the note and the book — a Charles Dickens collection — onto the Lacey Township Chatter Facebook group. No one else has informed her of any other visits from The Bookworm.

Read the full message below:

The gift felt special, like finding something great at a garage sale or thrift store, she says.

"Just the thought alone that somebody would take the time to type up the message and go out and deliver something like that, it made me feel warm and fuzzy," Grippaldi said.

Grippaldi reads every day and loves going to the library. But she's going to pass the book on to her mother, who she thinks might get more enjoyment out of Dickens.

"During these uncertain times, we need to reflect and look back on our roots," she said, "remember where we came from, be thankful for what we have and the gifts we are given every day."

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