Maplewood Celebrates World Book Night on April 23

World Book Night is an annual, global campaign to give away thousands of free books to encourage non-readers to read. Held this year on April 23, the event will mobilize 25,000 volunteers in more than 6,000 towns and cities nationwide to distribute half a million free books.

Volunteer book lovers help promote reading by going out into their communities and sharing free copies of books they love. The mission of World Book Night is to seek out those without the means or access to printed books.

In Maplewood, registered volunteers from the Words Bookstore community will be distributing books in such diverse locations as VA hospitals, roller skating rinks, mass transit, nursing homes, schools, and food pantries.  

"We are proud to be a partner in World Book Night U.S. for a second year," said owner Jonah Zimiles.

Staff member Laura Morgan is the bookstore's representative for this event. "I am looking forward to meeting the other volunteers as they come to pick up their books this week and find out their donation locations," Laura said.  "It has been a pleasure to be able to give the love of reading to others with the World Book Night donated books."

A pre-event reception will be held at the bookstore on Thursday, April 18 at 5:30 p.m. to give volunteers their books. There are a few more slots open for volunteers; contact Laura (laura@wordsmaplewood.com) or call the store (973-763-9500) for more information.

Maplewood Memorial Library is also joining in World Book Night. On April 23 between 3 - 5 p.m., the library's main branch will distribute free copies of The Lightning Thief to children who are not inspired to read.