April 21, 2023-- Founded by Larry Abrams and located in Pennsauken, New Jersey, BookSmiles is an organization that provides free books to schools and students across the region.
Today, students at Walnut Street Elementary School were the beneficiaries of this literary initiative, as Larry, his BookSmiles truck, and a robust library of diverse books set up shop at the school.
Students in all grades, kindergarten through fifth, utilized the gym to explore tables and tables of options, and happily selected their favorites to keep. As more books were selected, more were brought in (right).
On hand to celebrate the occasion was district educator and New Jersey Teacher of the Year Christine Girtain, who helped students select their books, offered recommendations, and discussed the wonderful opportunities that BookSmiles has to offer with Walnut Street teachers.
It's all in a name, and BookSmiles delivered plenty of books, and plenty of smiles. Additional photos below.