Libraries are centers of reuse and sustainability in communities worldwide, and Cherry Hill’s is no exception. Besides loaning books and other materials to residents, the facility also hosts sales and exchanges of lightly used goods, among them its Halloween costume swap on Oct. 15.
Residents go through clothing racks at the second annual Halloween costume swap on Oct. 15.
It was the second consecutive year for the event, which takes place as Halloween approaches.
“It was a huge hit,” said library director Tierney Miller. “Last year, we actually got some local broadcast news coverage, so we were on the local evening news.
The swap is the work of the library’s youth services department, which handles the sorting of costumes and other items. Two sessions – one in the morning and one in the evening – took place in the children’s story time and craft room. Both sessions of the swap attracted dozens of residents, including 92 in the morning.
“It seems pretty popular with folks,” Miller noted. “Halloween costumes are expensive and you only wear them once, so it’s a really good chance for people to maybe get something good and not have to spend any money.”
Several tables and clothing racks were set up for the swap, with clothing items sorted into age ranges. Also available were accessories like wigs, masks and hats, and even props like plastic tools.
“We do our best to merchandise,” Miller said. “It’s a lot of things in bags.”
Collections for the swap began a month ahead; the library was open for donations from Sept. 15 to Oct. 12.
“We just advertise that we need donations through our social media and email and stuff, and the community shows up,” Miller commented.
He pointed out how many items were for kids, with several Disney princess and superhero costumes on display.
“We tend to get kids costumes, probably because kids outgrow costumes year to year,” Miller explained. “So I’m sure families have a lot of them on hand. I know I did … I would say like 95% are for kids.”
Patrons were not required to donate a costume in order to take one home.
“Aside from being a great way to save money, it’s also really sustainable,” Miller offered. “Instead of throwing the costume in the landfill or just having it collect dust in your closet, you can pass it on to another family, another person, and it has a new life …
“It’s good for the environment and it’s good for people’s wallets.”
