Little libraries in Harrison Township include this one at William Wilt Park. Free books can be borrowed and donated from each station.
At William Wilt Park gazebo and at the playground behind Pleasant Valley School are little library stations where donations can be made and books are for the taking.
The two stations in Mullica Hill are mainly designed to give kids free access to books. They are the second and third units in Harrison Township, following an addition last year at Ella Harris Park. Books are free and returns and donations are encouraged to provide that access.
“It started last summer,” said recreation commission coordinator Sharon Chew. “The Mom’s Club of Mantua reached out to us about adding a little library at Ella Harris Park. After that, one of our members, Megan Epler, proposed to the (recreation) board that we install one at William Wilt’s gazebo. She was the one that spearheaded it.”
So far, the little library at Ella Harris has been described as a success; the commission has noted that its station is rarely empty and credits the community for that. The same result is expected at all three libraries once fall sports and events roll around.
“The books are free to use,” Chew emphasized, “which is especially great with the prices of things and the state of the economy.”
The newest little libraries are the result of a partnership with BookSmiles, a nonprofit whose goal is to provide easy access to books for all area children. According to its website, the organization has distributed more than three million books since July of 2017.
“We all think that reading is wonderful,” Chew noted. “Early reading is important for children. Reading is a great hobby and can help with learning. Exposing children to books is key for a lot of things they need.”
